Winchmore Hill Library was one of seven closed by the civic centre as part of sweeping cuts made last summer, reports Joe Ives, Local Democracy Reporter

Enfield Council is preparing to sell the now-closed Winchmore Hill Library building – which would make it the second ex-library property to be sold this year.

Winchmore Hill was one of seven libraries closed last summer by the council as it looked to cut costs from its library service, a decision the Labour-led civic centre now says was “one of the most difficult” it has had to make.

In February, the council announced the sale of Enfield Business Centre – which previously housed Enfield Highway Library – to a religious education charity called The London Merit Association.

This month, it was also revealed the council would be going ahead with the sale of Winchmore Hill Library in Green Lanes, to an as-yet unnamed bidder.

Responding to questions from the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), a spokesperson for the council noted that the “local need” for a library in Winchmore Hill was low in comparison to other wards.

They said the freehold of Winchmore Library was currently up for sale and negotiations had commenced with a potential buyer. The council declined to give any further details but claimed the site disposal would save £500,000 a year in maintenance and running costs.

“Closing libraries is one of the most difficult decisions this council has had to make,” the spoksperson said, blaming the closures on cuts to local authority spending inflicted by the austerity measures of previous Conservative-led governments.

In a decision report, the council stated that the buyer had proposed to use the building for “use falling within [class] F”, which should mean that the site will be reopened either as a learning or local community facility.

It is understood the council is also in talks over the sales of other library buildings left empty since last July.

The local authority says the libraries that remain open are “extremely well-used by our communities across the borough” and will “continue to provide a fantastic range of services for our communities”.

“While we had to make some tough decisions to protect our financial future, our library strategy was created following a high amount of engagement with local residents, balancing good financial management while maintaining a wide-ranging library service,” the spokesperson said.

They added: “Buildings that are no longer being used as libraries have been offered to community groups in the first instance and then put up for sale, ensuring that our town centres and high streets remain vibrant and economically active, while securing financial support for our most critical council services.

“Following residents’ feedback, we are planning a full refresh of library interiors in the near future, including new paintwork, lift repairs, new flooring and modern furniture.

“We want our libraries to feel calm, fresh, inviting and places to read, learn, play, work and meet with others”.

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