Since this article was first published the bid deadline has been extended. Please refer to our more recent news article:
Bid deadline extended for historic Mill Road Library building
Organisations interested in purchasing the former Mill Road Library have until Wednesday 1 May 2024 to make their bid for this historic building.
The site is being advertised again after the previous preferred bidder decided not to continue with their proposals for a new charity HQ.
The Victorian former Mill Road Library is a unique Grade II listed building in central Cambridge with huge character. The library closed in 1996 and the building has been leased to various community groups over the last few years.
The property is marketed by Gerald Eve, with a guide price of £700,000.
The bidding process is open to both community and commercial investors. The County Council is keen to encourage as much interest as possible to secure the best future for this historic building.
Offers will be considered by Councillors on the Assets & Procurement Committee at their June meeting. Councillors will review not only the financial bid made but whether the offer delivers environmental and social benefits.
There will be an “Open Afternoon” on Friday 19 April, when prospective buyers and interested members of the community can take a look inside the building between 12 noon and 6pm. No booking is necessary although attendees will be asked to leave their name and contact details.
Nearly £500,000 has been invested in the building in recent years to replace gutters, eliminate damp and repair stonework, brickwork and windows. The quality of this work was commended at the Greater Cambridge Design and Construction awards.
Mill Road Library has been registered as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) following representations from the community. This process is managed by Cambridge City Council.
ACV status ensures local community organisations are informed of the council’s intention to sell the property. These groups have six weeks to register their interest, which will prohibit the sale of the building for a further four and a half months. This allows community organisations six months in total to demonstrate their proposals – but will not determine who can buy the building or the price. The council expects strong interest from both community and commercial bidders.
John Macmillan, Head of Assets at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “The former Mill Road library has great character and offers a large, versatile space in a busy central area of Cambridge. It’s a unique opportunity for the right buyer.
"It's a building which people will have to see to appreciate, including attractive red brick façade highlighted by the recent refurbishment. The large windows and high roof space give a light and airy feel to the building.”
Cllr Ros Hathorn, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Assets and Procurement Committee, added: “This is an exciting opportunity to find the best use for what is an iconic building in the local area.
“The Committee will take in to account environmental and social considerations, as well as the financial offer put forward when reviewing the bids we receive.
“We look forward to hearing from interested community and commercial organisations as we look to find a new guardian for this listed building.”
Anyone interested in finding out more information or making a bid should contact Tristan Ball (07825 280910, tball@geraldeve.com) or Ben Gilbey (07393 764732, bgilbey@geraldeve.com) at Gerald Eve agents.
Assistance can be provided in preparing community bids and making the necessary notification by emailing right-to-bid@cambridge.gov.uk .
More information on the premises can be found at: https://www.geraldeve.com/properties/?propertyid=24746
