Statement: Walkley Library

‘It is with regret that we have today (16.10.18) announced our withdrawal from the plan to rejuvenate Walkley Library in conjunction with local groups and Sheffield City Council.

In 2012 I was dismayed by the possibility of seeing libraries closing down due to lack of funding and began to imagine a new type of model that would see a commercial enterprise help to support a vital community asset. Along with Chris Reece and all the members of the Walkley Carnegie Library group we have been successful in securing £90,000 of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to take the project onto the next stage and towards the end goal of raising £1.3m to complete the project.

Despite the significant costs incurred by us I feel that now is the best time for us to halt our involvement so the commercial aspect can be reviewed and new partnerships investigated if appropriate. There is a great team of people still working on the project and I wish them all the best for the future.’

Kane Yeardley

Managing Director

True North Brew Co.