I am thrilled to bits that Mayor Jason Perry was able to formally announce the successful bidder for Sanderstead Library at last night’s Annual Council Meeting.
In his Annual Statement as our Elected Mayor of Croydon, Jason set out the details of the future of four former library buildings, Sanderstead being one, as they convert to community bases.
In Sanderstead the successful bidder is Sanderstead resident Jill Finch, with her really exciting proposals for the former Sanderstead Library building hosting, ‘The Story Sanctuary’ - a creative health and wellbeing centre. Her bid was strongly supported by Sanderstead Residents Association, The Friends of Sanderstead Library and local residents who had the opportunity to look at the details of the top bids received by the Council.
The Story Sanctuary is proposed as a new arts/cultural organisation within the building, not just a basic community base and Jill has been working hard over recent months to speak to as many local residents, business and organisations as she can.
Whilst almost everyone loves the idea of a creative/cultural centre with a community café, and many have been verbally committing to regular use of that café, there will be much needed to be done before this can become the reality we would love to see. The library building needs a lot of work, and any improvements beyond basic maintenance will need to meet the Equalities Act (DDA compliance).
The next steps will include getting the Temporary Licence in place whilst the Lease is being prepared, and a likely soft launch around September.
I have been delighted to be able to help connect Jill to a number of local people and organisations and will continue to offer my full support to this very exciting opportunity for Sanderstead residents.
Wishing you all the very best Jill!!
