Specialist contractors are being appointed to assess the condition of Everton Library, a grade II listed historic building in north Liverpool once known as the "jewel on the hill," to develop a programme of repairs and secure its long-term future.
The library, which first opened in 1896 and was designed by architect Thomas Shelmerdine, was one of the city's first public libraries and became a community hub. It has been closed since 1999 and is in a significant state of disrepair.
Funding and surveys
Liverpool Council has secured £250,000 to support the next phase of work, which will include detailed condition surveys, environmental assessments, asbestos investigations, and plans to make the building weatherproof. The surveys are expected to begin next month on the site, which is owned by the local authority, with the programme led by its heritage team.
The work will provide, for the first time in more than 20 years, a comprehensive understanding of the building's condition and the investment required for its full restoration.
Scope of investigations
The new investigations will examine as much of the building as possible, including structural condition, water damage, windows, roofs, and other areas affected by decades of deterioration. In places that are currently unsafe to access, specialist assessment methods such as drone surveys will be used.
The work will also assess environmental issues within the building, including the impact of long-term pigeon access and any other pest-related concerns. Environmental cleaning requirements and asbestos checks will form part of the assessment programme, with results expected later in the autumn.
Future repairs and vision
While the full extent of repairs will not be known until the surveys are complete, the council already expects future work to include repairs to gutters, drainpipes, windows, water-damaged areas, and masonry, alongside measures to improve the building's resistance to further weather damage.
The project will provide the evidence needed to secure further investment and develop a long-term restoration strategy for one of Liverpool's most significant historic buildings. The council's ambition is to transform the former library into a vibrant heritage asset that serves the community while acting as a social, cultural, and economic driver for the area.
Cllr Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for health, wellbeing and culture, said: "For many years people have rightly been concerned about the condition of this building, which used to be a library, and want to see progress.
"This project marks the beginning of that process. Before we can undertake a full restoration, we need a detailed understanding of the condition of the building and the challenges we face.
"These surveys will give us the information we need to plan repairs, develop restoration proposals and secure the substantial funding that will ultimately be required. Our long-term vision is to bring the building back into use as a vibrant heritage asset that serves local people and acts as a social, cultural and economic catalyst for the wider area.
"The former library is one of the area's most recognisable landmarks and many residents have strong memories and connections to the building. People want to know that progress is being made and that there is a clear plan for its future.
"The work now being commissioned is an important milestone because it will help us understand exactly what needs to be done to safeguard the building and bring it back into use. I know residents will welcome the fact that the council is now taking practical steps to move the restoration project forward."
