A new temporary library is being proposed at Davidson’s Mains Primary School to provide key services while Blackhall Library’s previous building remains closed.
The library’s former premises at Hillhouse Road in Edinburgh has been closed since September 2023. Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RACC) was discovered in the building and options to replace it are complex due to the extent of work required, costs and the wider condition of the building.
The City of Edinburgh Council’s latest budget that was agreed last month includes a planned £15 million to replace Blackhall Library sustainably.
A 12-week community engagement programme will open to consider options to find a long-term solution, but it is estimated it could take three to four years to deliver.
A mobile library has been servicing the area since the closure but with limited space, it cannot deliver the full range of services residents expect.
The new temporary building could open in the autumn with construction work taking place in the summer to avoid disruption to the school.
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Opening hours will be different from school hours to prevent congestion at the start and end of the school day.
Improvements are also proposed at the primary school as part of the scheme which include improving a path outside the school gate and library site entrance to address concerns around congestion.
Parking restrictions will also be strengthened with further improvements also being considered.
Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “We know how important it is that people across Blackhall and Davidson’s Mains have access to quality local services in places that are convenient and accessible for them. That’s why we’re proposing a temporary library at Davidson’s Mains Primary School until a long term solution can be delivered. At the same time, we’re improving access around the school site to create a safer environment for everyone.
“We want to make sure the school and local community are involved in how the service is delivered and the types of activities that will take place at the replacement library. The school will be able to make use of the facility, and we hope that the closer relationship with the school will bring wider benefits for learning for all.
“We also want to ensure that the longer-term solution delivers the best possible outcome for everyone who uses these services, and we look forward to hearing from residents and people across the local community when we launch our consultation on the full replacement for Blackhall Library in the spring.”
