New plans unveiled to safeguard future of Old Library

Plans to secure the future of the Old Library building in Cardiff are set to move forward.A report, which will be presented to the Cardiff Council’s cabinet next week, seeks authority to transfer use of the building via long lease – that will also cover the full running and maintenance costs – to the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.Cabinet is asked to consider the College’s plans which include introducing a series of music and performance spaces in the existing rooms and further developing existing work at the Old Library in respect of the Welsh language, to promote and protect the language.The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama full plans include:sustain and deepen existing aims in the Old Library to promote and protect the Welsh language.return the Old Library to its original educational function for the college’s students and participants.restore the listed building to showcase its original features, retaining the original building layout.introduce a series of performance, exhibition and rehearsal spaces into the existing rooms.provide public access to a “city living room” on the ground floor, with café/creative workspace.The main areas of the building are occupied by the council-funded Museum of Cardiff and a commercial lease to Virgin Money. The upper floors are partially occupied by Menter Caerdydd.The building has benefitted from a comprehensive up-grade in recent years through grants from various sources including the Heritage Lottery Fund for the Museum of Cardiff and Welsh Government in support of the Welsh Language Centre. However, the age of the building means on-going maintenance is required and the cost of addressing the maintenance backlog is difficult to predict and manage.