Story: Lisa Swift
Sorby House will be filled with Council services by March 2014, including Burngreave Library, the Housing Office, Community Youth Teams and the Multi-Agency Support Team (MAST).
Current tenants are being asked to move their offices onto one floor to make room for the Council, who will take up the remaining three floors. Reception will be changed to have more of a ‘Council feel’. 20 local community groups and small businesses currently use Sorby House, ranging from children and young people’s projects to employment support and accountants. Many are disappointed with the announcement and are angry that the Council has not consulted them.
Tammy Piercey from Burngreave Works said,
“The first we heard was when we read it in the Star. The Council should have consulted us as it will affect the running of all our organisations.”
Nkululeko Sibanda from Ellesmere Youth Project explained,
“They are calling it a ‘Community Hub’, but it won’t be that. We are very concerned about what it will mean to have all these services together. We have built up trust with young people and this could be affected if the building is seen as part of the Council.”
Concern has also been expressed about the cost of the building, while cuts continue to affect local organisations severely. The Council said the building generates about £170,000 income but still costs the Council £360,000 per year.
Councillor Bryan Lodge, Cabinet member for Finance and Resources, told the Messenger,
“We need to reduce the number of buildings the Council runs. Moving services into Sorby House will ensure it is more sustainable and bring services together. We will be able to dispose of the Housing Office and the Library for rent or a capital receipt and allow regeneration.”
Work on Sorby will begin in June, with most services moving in from March 2014.
Library to move
The Library move will cost £40,000, but no savings will be made in running costs and the space will be smaller. The Messenger asked Library users what they thought of the plans:
“I don't like the area around Sorby House. I don't like the road; it’s very busy. It’s not safe for kids and I don't like the atmosphere.” Mrs Khan
“I've never been in there, but I want the library to be massive.” Mrs Khan's daughter, Hafsa.
“It's already in the right place. It's accessible from the houses behind the library and there is no traffic.” Abdi Abe “The Library gives young people a place to chill out. I've been using it all my life. It’s always been here. There are loads of men hanging about on Spital Hill. Here it’s closer to the houses.” Sofia Deria
“A lot of what happens at the library is for children. At Sorby it’s more for adults. It’s not safe; there are cars parked both sides and it’s a busy bus route. We need more computers. If there's no more room, there's no point.” Mrs Hussain
“I find it easier in here. I know where everything is. You'd be looking for things if it moved.” “If they move to Sorby House, it will take a long time to build the library back.” Mrs Hussain’s children
“We are used to coming to this library. In my opinion it should stay. It’s not safe for children; there are many cars near Sorby House.” Fartum Nuuraani
“It could be a positive thing if there are more computers, more books, plants and a cafe.” Lois Palframan
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