South West-based community interest company, Real Ideas Organisation, has issued a callout for local Cornwall or Devon building contractors as well as opening a job role for a Site Manager for the ambitious Grade II listed renovation project of Liskeard Library. 

Whilst the pandemic has unfortunately delayed the full progression of the project, Real Ideas have been working behind the scenes, undertaking preliminary works to ready the building for the main works. These actions have included removal of dry rot from the site and undertaking a ‘soft strip’ of the building to get rid of old carpets, sanitaryware, ceiling tiles and other elements from the library building on Barras Street.

Real Ideas are now on the hunt for a Site Manager to oversee and manage the refurbishment and development of the renovation, which will be undertaken in a number of phases.   The project team is also keen to hear from experienced contractors covering all of the building trades including electricians, steel workers, plasterers, carpenters and general builders.   Full architectural plans have been created by Saltash-based CFD Architects and once the right team is in-place, the project is set for immediate progression. 

Project Manager Lenna Bithell says, “Like all key build projects, the pandemic has created challenges and an unfortunate delay.  Projects of this type and scale generally involve us taking on an overall contractor, however, at this time, and with this building, we are exceedingly keen to take a different route, asking all local tradesmen and women to consider this opportunity.  We would dearly like to have a localised team on the job.”

Lenna continues, “We are definitely looking for someone to work on a self-employed basis for the Site Manager role and the initial job is for the Phase One works. For anyone who is not already self-employed, we can offer support to help set you up under the relevant requirements, or we can also consider a fixed term basis under negotiations.  The same goes for the contractor positions as we are extremely open-minded about how we recruit as many local people as possible for this exciting job for Liskeard.” 

The Real Ideas vision is to create a renovated library building, to increase the numbers and diversity of people who practically use the library and to connect more effectively with the wider community so that Liskeard Library can be a gateway to experiences that support, enrich and extend activities across the town.  The architectural design process has created a scheme to open up and simplify the layout to create attractive, flexible, contemporary spaces.

On the ground floor, the primary space will incorporate books, comfortable sofas, chairs and tables, good coffee and cake during the day. In the evening, it can work as a book club, a pop-up cinema, acoustic music event space or gaming environment.  There will be a kitchen, not only for use by the library but as a resource for local groups and entrepreneurs.  Currently redundant office space will be removed to create a courtyard, an inside/outside space to accommodate small-scale performance and visual art.

Upstairs, the focus will be co-working for local organisations, community businesses and social entrepreneurs with meeting and learning spaces to hire, plus business support, networking, and events. Excellent digital connectivity will be installed throughout the building, connecting with and supporting local enterprise.

Those wishing to apply for the available job roles can find more information at https://realideas.org/job/self-employed-site-manager/ or they can contact lenna.bithell@realideas.org to request further info about the contractor opportunities.