RSA Trust is in advanced talks around the reopening of the former site of Enfield Island Village Library

Enfield Island Village Library closed in July

A local charity is hoping to reopen one of the seven former library buildings closed by Enfield Council earlier this summer.

RSA Trust has confirmed it is exploring the possibility of reopening the site of Enfield Island Village Library as “an alternative community space”.

The trust’s income derives from the letting of dozens of commercial units at The RSA Island Centre, including the former library itself, which has sat vacant ever since the second week of July.

While the centre – which utilises the historic heart of the former Royal Small Arms Factory – is owned by RSA Island Village Ltd, all profits are donated to RSA Trust.

Enfield Island Village Library was one of seven closed by the council this summer as part of a new strategy aiming to save the council up to £560,000 per year in staffing and operating costs, plus £4.5million in maintenance costs over a ten-year period.

The potential sales of library buildings are expected to generate between £3m and £3.85m for the council – but this won’t include the former library site at Enfield Island Village, owned by RSA Island Village Ltd.

Asked what the charity was planning to do with the site, Dr Hani Armstrong said: “The RSA Trust is saddened by the recent closure of the library at RSA Island Village, which has been a valued resource for the community.

“We are actively working with local residents and Enfield Borough Council to explore ways of creating an alternative community space that continues to bring people together. We hope to share further updates soon.”

RSA Trust makes grants to charities within Enfield and the wider community, including Citizens Advice Enfield, Enterprise Enfield and Edmonton Eagles Amateur Boxing Club.

For more information about RSA Trust:
Visit https://rsatrust.org/

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