On March 7, 2024 the RPL announced a change of plans. https://central.reginalibrary.ca/ In the Fall of 2022 the RPL Board had voted to stay on the current site.
Now the RPL is taking a different view and looking at alternate sites. https://sasktenders.ca/content/public/print.aspx?competitionId=639d44ed-2281-4479-94b5-eb90bde59e50
Staying on the same site would have meant to the RPL tearing down the current building once they didn’t feel the building could be rehabilitated – but buildings of this sort can be upgraded and get additions. The RPL has not submitted a public document with cost figures and reasonings for taking this stance, only given brief overarching statements.is saying No to reinvigorating the current Central building. They should have at least included examination of that option in the Expression of Interest.
Media coverage:
https://www.cjme.com/2024/03/08/rpl-seeking-input-on-other-locations-for-central-library/
https://leaderpost.com/news/regina-public-library-begins-search-for-new-central-branch-location
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/regina-new-central-library-location-1.7138463
From the RPL’s Expression of Interest:
“RPL will consider various deal structures, however RPL ownership of the library space is preferred. RPL is open to a redevelopment of the existing Central Library site or a different site located within the area defined in the EOI. Based on work done to date on the existing facility, the building is end of life and that it would not be economically viable to renovate the existing building.
RPL is open to various arrangements and opportunities for advancing this project. Therefore, we ask Respondents to consider the following options including, but not limited to:
• New construction in partnership with Respondent on RPL’s existing central location or another location within the geographic area defined;
• Renovation of an existing building within the geographic area defined; or
• Purchase of land at another location within the geographic area defined, with subsequent renovation of an existing building under a lease or purchase.”
RPL is inviting consortiums (presumably including public private partnerships).
Friends of the Regina Public Library 