1)         That the proposal for the relocation of Altrincham Library be agreed.

2)         That the Corporate Director of Economic Growth and Prosperity be authorised to finalise lease terms with Citybranch.

3)         That the Acting Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to complete the legal documentation for a 125 year lease.

4)         That agreement be given to the funding proposals for lease premium of £1,998,750 to be funded by ring-fenced land receipts from the planned 13/14 and 14/15 land sales programme along with the allocation of capital receipts from over achievement of sales already in the Land Sales Programme.

The proposal for a new modern, flexible library space as part of the redevelopment of the hospital site allows the Council to take a significant step forward towards the regeneration of Altrincham town centre and will deliver a high quality community space as part of the Market Quarter regeneration.

The location of the proposed new library in the Market Quarter in the heart of Altrincham is considered to be critical. There are no other available sites in this area. The use of Altrincham Town Hall has been considered and discounted as the space is too small (approximately half the size of the proposed library) and the necessary adaptations to the building would be extremely difficult due to its listed status.