Historic library upgrade planned to tackle anti-social behaviour in Darwen
Decaying buildings which are a potential magnet for anti-social behaviour at the back of Darwen’s historic library are to be knocked down. The demolition proposal aims to improve the look of the 117-year-old heritage Grade 11 listed building and improve its links to the town centre, Market Hall and Town Hall.
Blackburn with Darwen Council has applied to itself for planning permission for the removal of single-storey outbuilding and small brick outrigger, removal and replacement of fire escape staircase and any required remedial works a the library and theatre in Knott Street.
A supporting statement says: “Darwen Library designed by architect Raymond Harrison and funded by Andrew Carnegie, opened in 1908. Principal views of the building are from the south across Market Square, and from Knott Street to the east.
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“These present the Baroque elevations and prominent cupola. Approaching from School Street, there is a distinct ‘back of house’ functional feel given by the external fire escape and adjacent outbuilding.
“The existing outbuilding sits to the south-west of the main Library and Theatre and is a separate, standalone single-storey structure. It is constructed in sandstone masonry and is likely to date from the mid/late 20th Century. The outbuilding was previously utilised by the theatre as ancillary accommodation, but recently has been in use as ad-hoc welfare facilities for council operatives.
“Tucked behind the outbuilding at basement level, is a brick ‘outrigger’ which houses a small storage space (disused), and is in a poor structural condition. It is therefore proposed to dismantle the outbuilding and outrigger structure.
“The outbuilding in its current form presents opportunities for anti-social behaviour to take place given it provides concealed external spaces. The removal of the stairs would mean that the library would have only one emergency escape, and therefore it is proposed to replace the dismantled structure with a new steel staircase.
“Darwen is regarded as an innovative town in the library world. It was the first non-borough town to adopt the Public Libraries Act of 1871, and the first in the North-West to adopt open access (in 1895) allowing the public to freely browse books before lending.
“It is also thought that in Betsy Bannister being appointed in 1890, Darwen was the first to appoint a female head librarian. The undercroft level was converted into what is now the Library Theatre with an extended entrance area in 2000.”