Nottingham City Council has announced a plan to modernise and enhance its library spaces with the approval of a Call Off Framework Contract valued at up to £300,000.
The Call Off Framework, set to span four years, will facilitate the procurement of creative design services, specialist library furniture, and installation works across multiple libraries in the city.
The decision, which aligns with financial regulations, empowers the Head of Service for Libraries to award contracts on a project-by-project basis, ensuring best value for money and timely execution, particularly when external funding is secured, says the authority in a document released today.
Over the past six years, Nottingham City Libraries have undergone significant transformations, with new joint service centre builds, including the Strelley Road Library and The Dales Centre Library. The ongoing investments have not only enhanced community spaces but also led to the development of new builds such as the Nottingham Central Library and Sherwood Library which is still under construction.
One of the key projects already identified for the framework is the Arts Council England-funded “Counter Culture” project, which has been awarded a grant of £77,050. In total, the council has forecasted a budget of £222,500, subject to securing additional external funding and internal resources.
The decision to establish a Call Off Framework was driven by the need for flexibility and speed in meeting the requirements of externally funded projects, which often come with tight deadlines. The council considered other options, such as going out to open tender for a design consultant or entering into a fixed contract with a design agency. However, these were rejected in favor of the framework, which allows for a more flexible and efficient approach to procurement, ensuring that the council can meet grant conditions and other funding requirements in a timely manner.
The framework will not only support the physical modernisation of library spaces but also contribute to the broader social value that libraries offer. Nottingham’s libraries are more than just places to borrow books; they are safe, welcoming spaces that foster personal development, community cohesion, and local identity. By investing in these spaces, the council aims to enhance their role in promoting health and wellbeing, reading and literacy, and creativity within the community.
Legal and procurement teams have reviewed the framework, ensuring that the process is compliant and that the council is well-positioned to manage the risks associated with the project. Revenue budgets will be closely monitored to ensure financial diligence throughout the framework’s implementation.
Colin J Parr, Corporate Director for Communities, Environment & Resident Services, officially approved the decision on 30th August 2024, marking a significant step forward in the council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving its network of libraries.
However some libraries remain under threat of closure in the city following the financial failures of the oats few years.
