NEW CHAPTER FOR ROATH LIBRARY BUILDING

A local organisation with plans to expand its work in the community is set to take over the former Roath Library building.

Rubicon Dance, the Adamsdown-based charity that works with communities across the city, has submitted a successful proposal to Cardiff Council to take on the running of the building on Newport Road via a Community Asset Transfer.

Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, with responsibility for libraries, Cllr Lynda Thorne said: "It's great news that Rubicon Dance will be taking over the former Roath Library building. The Council has been looking for a suitable organisation or group to use the property for the benefit of local residents and received significant interest from a number of parties.

"Rubicon Dance outlined a very clear and impressive vision in their proposals for the building as they look to expand their activities in the city. Their plans provide a good solution both for the building and the local community."

Roath Library closed in November 2014 because of significant long-standing repair and maintenance issues that rendered the building unfit for public use.

The Council provided temporary library services provision at Cardiff Royal Infirmary and is now working in partnership with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board to create permanent provision in the former chapel at CRI.

Rubicon Dance's plans include creating a dance centre with at least 3 dance studios, one of which would also provide an informal performance space. The company plans to run accredited learning activities in the building as well as a new open programme for the community including provision for those with disabilities, the elderly, children and young people.

The organisation is also keen to provide an informal meeting place for local people and Cardiff's independent dance sector with free wifi and bookable hot desks to encourage people to access our facilities.

An investment of around £2m in the building is expected and the new facility is anticipated to open in September 2019.

Kathryn Williams, Director of Rubicon Dance,said: "We are delighted to have been successful with our proposal for breathing new life into Roath Library. The entire Rubicon team is extremely grateful to Cardiff Council for this significant investment in the community of Adamsdown and community dance in general across the city."