Further tender submissions from a range of local builders and construction services companies are now invited by South West-based community interest company, Real Ideas for the renovation of Liskeard Library.
The original library, a Grade II listed building, right in the heart of the market town, is to be renovated by Real Ideas to reinstate library services as well as it being reworked as a community hub with workspaces, indoor and outdoor event space, and a café. The site has already undergone preliminary works to clear the building in preparation for the renovation.
Real Ideas is based across Cornwall and Devon and within Plymouth has already developed and renovated a number of historical buildings in the area to create community hubs that help incubate new businesses and encourage ‘creative collisions’ that foster new partnerships and opportunities to grow. Other buildings in the estate include Ocean Studios at Royal William Yard, Devonport Guildhall, and Market Hall.
In keeping with the ethos of the organisation, it is looking to support the local economy and help build the portfolio for individual contractors for historical building work.
The library is located on Barras Street, and the building work will be sympathetic to the original materials and use of the old building. Preliminary work has already been undertaken including removal of dry rot from the site and a ‘soft strip’ of old carpets, sanitaryware, and ceiling tiles.
Lenna Bithell, contracts manager for Real Ideas and the library project, says: “We’re ready to commence with the sympathetic renovation of Liskeard Library and encourage local tradespeople to become involved in the town’s project. It is an historic building that will no doubt be challenging at times, but its completion will stand the test of time and any contractor will be able to step back and be proud of being part of the team that injected new life into the building.”
Real Ideas is looking for groundworkers, structural metal works, roofing, internal walls and partitions, joinery, supply of windows and doors, plasterers, and decorators. Tenders can be submitted via Contracts Finder or contact lenna.bithell@realideas.org for more information. Final submissions by 11 May.
Lenna says: “We are keen to see tenders from established local organisations, and also young tradespeople who are new to self-employment. We can provide help and assistance in getting new building professionals up and running in their own business. It’s what we do and how we nurture new talent at Real Ideas, we act as a gateway to employment opportunities and new experiences, and look for opportunities to put this into practice. We’d like to be able to look back and say Liskeard Library is for the community, built by the community.”