Preferred Bidder For Old Mill Road Library Revealed

A charity supporting young people throughout Cambridgeshire has been chosen as the preferred bidder for the former Mill Road Library.

Centre 33 plans to use the historic building in Cambridge to increase its capacity to support vulnerable young people in the local area.

The not-for-profit was chosen as the preferred bidder by members of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Strategy & Resources Committee following a tender process between August 2022 and January 2023.

During this period eight bids were received, with the decision on which offer to progress based on a wide range of factors, including promotion of economic, social and environmental wellbeing.

Centre 33’s offer is subject to planning permission and feasibilities being agreed and progressed, with a final decision expected later this year. Until that time its offer is not being disclosed.

Should the next stage be progressed this will see the Grade II listed building converted, with support from The Evelyn Trust, into a Youth Early Support Hub to offer young people open-access support with their emotional wellbeing and practical needs.

Centre 33 already operates five hubs, including in Cambridge, Ely, Wisbech, Huntingdon and from a Grade II listed building in Peterborough. It offers free and confidential support to young people up to the age of 25 with a range of issues including mental health and caring responsibilities. It also offers information on issues including housing, finance and sexual health and will be sharing space with community groups where possible.

Beth Green, CEO at Centre 33, said: “We are very pleased to be given the opportunity by the county council to progress the next stage of a move into the former Mill Road Library."