Charminster Library will remain closed for the foreseeable future because the building is not safe to use and the cost of essential repairs is high.
Why the library is closed
Charminster Library has been closed since December 2025 after part of the ceiling collapsed.
The library closed immediately on health and safety grounds so that further inspections could take place. Since then, the building has remained closed because it is not safe for the public or our staff.
Investigations have found serious structural and safety issues. These include:
- ongoing water entering the building through the roof
- asbestos contamination
- deterioration of roof timbers, including areas of rot
- old ceiling‑mounted radiators in the roof space, including one that had fallen
Condition of the building
Before the ceiling collapse, the building already needed significant repairs and maintenance. Water has been getting in through the roof for a long time, causing damage to internal walls, ceilings and structural elements.
After the collapse, more detailed inspections showed that the scale of work needed was greater than first expected. Because asbestos and structural deterioration are involved, the building cannot reopen until major repairs are completed safely.
Work needed to make the building safe
A comprehensive programme of work is required to make Charminster Library safe to reopen. Internal works include:
- safe removal of asbestos, specialist cleaning and repairs
- removal of suspended ceilings and damaged plaster‑and‑lath ceilings
- replacement of defective roof joists
- removal of redundant ceiling‑mounted radiators
- replacement of all internal lighting
- repairs to plasterwork damaged by long‑term water ingress
- full internal redecoration
External works include:
- removal and rebuilding of parapet walls
- reconstruction of guttering and waterproofing
- removal of asbestos from flat roofs
- replacement of roof coverings and roof lights
- new external cladding and full redecoration to improve weather protection
What the current cost estimate includes
The current estimate includes:
- temporary protection of all library contents and book stock
- removal of asbestos contamination in the roof space
- temporary securing of heaters so they can be removed safely
- extensive internal and external scaffolding
- replacement of asbestos‑containing flat roofs and rotten roof structures
- full replacement of ceilings across the building
- complete internal and external redecoration
- replacement of all internal lighting
Cost of the works
The current estimate indicates that around £680,000 is needed to make the building safe. This figure was prepared quickly to support early budget discussions. It is not a formal contractor quotation and may change once further investigations are completed.
Previous cost estimates
A figure of around £410,000 was included in a draft library strategy report dated 29 October 2025 however this:
- related to a smaller set of works
- was produced before asbestos and rotting roof timbers were identified
- was a broad estimate rather than a detailed costing
There was no existing budget for that work. The total funding now required is around £680,000.
Timescales
Based on the current estimate, the works would be expected to take around 20 weeks once they begin.
Why a short‑term repair is not possible
After the ceiling collapse, we initially hoped to carry out urgent repairs and reopen the library quickly. However, the discovery of asbestos and significant structural deterioration means that a limited or short‑term repair would not be safe and would not be a good use of public money.
Future condition of the building
The current scope of works would address the most urgent safety issues and significantly improve the building. However, it would not resolve every issue. For example, the plant room and boiler are ageing and may need replacing in future at an additional cost of around £70,000.
Procurement and community support
We appreciate offers of help from local trades and the community. However, the works are complex and high‑risk. They must:
- be managed by a single main contractor
- comply with Construction (Design and Management) regulations
- involve specialist contractors, such as asbestos removal teams
- follow our procurement rules
Funding and next steps
There is no existing budget within the library service or Facilities Management to fund works of this scale. We will continue to explore funding options. However, many external funding sources:
- do not focus on building repairs alone
- require service improvements or community outcomes
- require match funding
- are capped at amounts below the total cost needed
If funding is available in principle, further investigations will be carried out and the specification and costs finalised.
Library services while Charminster Library is closed
While Charminster Library remains closed, you can continue to use library services in other ways. You can:
- use any other library in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, including Castlepoint and Winton
- borrow up to 10 eBooks, read magazines and newspapers, and listen to audiobooks online using the BorrowBox app
- apply for the Home Library Service if you cannot visit a library because of age, disability or caring responsibilities
To use the Home Library Service you can:
Library staff and opening hours elsewhere
There are no plans to extend opening hours at other libraries by moving Charminster staff. Our focus remains on securing funding to reopen Charminster Library.
Library stock
The books and other stock are safe. Staff cannot currently access the building because of health and safety risks. When it is safe to do so, we will continue to protect the stock and review options for making items available for loan.
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