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Old Stroud Library and Spiritualist Church community engagement

Former Stroud County Branch Library, Lansdown, Stroud GL5 1BB

This building was constructed in the 1960's as an extension to the adjoining library and was opened in 1968. It's a two storey structure, which is believed to be concrete frame with brickwork elevations incorporating metal framed windows beneath a substantial flat roof incorporating roof lights (no windows to the rear elevation). There is also secure ground floor parking area within the building. The building takes up the majority of the site but there is external access round to the rear of the site where there is a steeply sloping grassed area with a pathway and access up to the adjoining Bank Gardens.

Tenure: GCC will be offering the Freehold title.

Site area: 0.12 Ha/0.3 acres.

Rating: Rateable value £52,500. Amount payable 24/25 £28,665. Note: this covers the adjoining former spiritualist church building as well. Charities may qualify for a reduced rate.

EPC rating: To be determined following separation of the buildings.

Asset of Community value process: The building is Listed as an Asset of Community Value and because of this, there is a process to follow when the owner wishes to sell the property.

GCC will inform Stroud District Council during week commencing 19th August 2024 that it intends to sell the property; this will trigger a 6 week moratorium period. Should the community group who registered the property as an Asset of Community Value decide that they wish to make an offer for the property, they must advise they are proposing do so in writing to SDC. In doing this a further 6 month moratorium period is triggered. Even if this 6 month period isn't triggered by the interested community group GCC will still grant a 6 month period in which any other community groups can develop their proposal and obtain funding in order to put forward a bid for the property.

Marketing: An agent will be appointed and marketing of the property is estimated to start spring/summer 2025. Offers will need to be submitted to the agent by a closing date (which will be agreed nearer the time).

GCC is under an obligation to get Best Value in accordance with its Disposals Policy. The property will be placed on the open market and offers will be invited for anyone to bid including developers and the community.

If you have any queries, please contact estates@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Community bids: Where surplus properties that have been listed as Assets of Community Value are offered for sale, the assessment of submitted bids will take account of the wider social, economic, and environmental outcomes.

The following guidance sheets are available to help you in the bidding process:

  • Guidance to Completing The Business Case
  • Criteria/Process for assessing Business Cases
  • Business case pro forma
  • Instructions for Bidders and Tender Evaluation Process
  • Evaluation scoring

Important information: 

  • The property contains RAAC . Extensive works will need to be carried out by the purchaser to remove this - see report.
  • The lift is out of action as it is in need of repair - see report regarding estimated cost of repair.

A planning application has been submitted to separate this building from the adjoining former Spiritualist Church . If the application is approved the works are estimated to take place this year.

Planning: Interested parties to make their own enquiries with the local planning authority, Stroud District Council. In relation to their proposed use(s).

Former Stroud County Branch Library, Lansdown, Stroud GL5 1BB

This building was constructed in the 1960's as an extension to the adjoining library and was opened in 1968. It's a two storey structure, which is believed to be concrete frame with brickwork elevations incorporating metal framed windows beneath a substantial flat roof incorporating roof lights (no windows to the rear elevation). There is also secure ground floor parking area within the building. The building takes up the majority of the site but there is external access round to the rear of the site where there is a steeply sloping grassed area with a pathway and access up to the adjoining Bank Gardens.

Tenure: GCC will be offering the Freehold title.

Site area: 0.12 Ha/0.3 acres.

Rating: Rateable value £52,500. Amount payable 24/25 £28,665. Note: this covers the adjoining former spiritualist church building as well. Charities may qualify for a reduced rate.

EPC rating: To be determined following separation of the buildings.

Asset of Community value process: The building is Listed as an Asset of Community Value and because of this, there is a process to follow when the owner wishes to sell the property.

GCC will inform Stroud District Council during week commencing 19th August 2024 that it intends to sell the property; this will trigger a 6 week moratorium period. Should the community group who registered the property as an Asset of Community Value decide that they wish to make an offer for the property, they must advise they are proposing do so in writing to SDC. In doing this a further 6 month moratorium period is triggered. Even if this 6 month period isn't triggered by the interested community group GCC will still grant a 6 month period in which any other community groups can develop their proposal and obtain funding in order to put forward a bid for the property.

Marketing: An agent will be appointed and marketing of the property is estimated to start spring/summer 2025. Offers will need to be submitted to the agent by a closing date (which will be agreed nearer the time).

GCC is under an obligation to get Best Value in accordance with its Disposals Policy. The property will be placed on the open market and offers will be invited for anyone to bid including developers and the community.

If you have any queries, please contact estates@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Community bids: Where surplus properties that have been listed as Assets of Community Value are offered for sale, the assessment of submitted bids will take account of the wider social, economic, and environmental outcomes.

The following guidance sheets are available to help you in the bidding process:

  • Guidance to Completing The Business Case
  • Criteria/Process for assessing Business Cases
  • Business case pro forma
  • Instructions for Bidders and Tender Evaluation Process
  • Evaluation scoring

Important information: 

  • The property contains RAAC . Extensive works will need to be carried out by the purchaser to remove this - see report.
  • The lift is out of action as it is in need of repair - see report regarding estimated cost of repair.

A planning application has been submitted to separate this building from the adjoining former Spiritualist Church . If the application is approved the works are estimated to take place this year.

Planning: Interested parties to make their own enquiries with the local planning authority, Stroud District Council. In relation to their proposed use(s).

Stroud Library - Former Spiritualist Church, Lansdown, Stroud GL5 1BB

Grade II Listed gothic style property built in 1873 as a grammar school. It later became a library and Spiritualist Church. 

Tenure: GCC will be offering to sublet the property to a community group for a term ending on 10th June 2027.

Site area: 0.04 ha/0.01 acres.

Rating: Rateable value £52,500. Amount payable 24/25 £28,665. Note: this covers the adjoining former library annexe building and a new Rateable Value assessment will be necessary once the buildings are separated. Charities may qualify for a reduced rate and interested parties should approach SDC to determine eligibility.

EPC rating: To be determined following separation of the buildings.

Marketing: Expressions of interest from community groups are invited in Spring 2025 with an anticipated lease start date in Summer 2025. If you have any queries or wish to express an interest, please contact estates@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Important information: GCC is arranging for the property to be disconnected from the adjoining former Stroud library annexe building. When this is completed there will be restricted DDA compliant access. See planning documents below.

Planning: Interested parties to make their own enquiries with the local planning authority, Stroud District Council. In relation to their proposed use(s).

Stroud Library - Former Spiritualist Church, Lansdown, Stroud GL5 1BB

Grade II Listed gothic style property built in 1873 as a grammar school. It later became a library and Spiritualist Church. 

Tenure: GCC will be offering to sublet the property to a community group for a term ending on 10th June 2027.

Site area: 0.04 ha/0.01 acres.

Rating: Rateable value £52,500. Amount payable 24/25 £28,665. Note: this covers the adjoining former library annexe building and a new Rateable Value assessment will be necessary once the buildings are separated. Charities may qualify for a reduced rate and interested parties should approach SDC to determine eligibility.

EPC rating: To be determined following separation of the buildings.

Marketing: Expressions of interest from community groups are invited in Spring 2025 with an anticipated lease start date in Summer 2025. If you have any queries or wish to express an interest, please contact estates@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Important information: GCC is arranging for the property to be disconnected from the adjoining former Stroud library annexe building. When this is completed there will be restricted DDA compliant access. See planning documents below.

Planning: Interested parties to make their own enquiries with the local planning authority, Stroud District Council. In relation to their proposed use(s).

UPDATE 6th November 2025

Former Library, Lansdown, Stroud, Glos GL5 1BB (1960’s building) 

For sale by auction on 19th/20th November 2025 by Allsop.  

Further information available on Allsop's auction website: Lot 197 - Former Stroud Library

To arrange a viewing please contact joint auctioneers Bruton Knowles on 01452 880000 or Phoebe Harmer on 07516 507939 / email: phoebe.harmer@brutonknowles.co.uk

UPDATE 8th October 2025

Former Library, Lansdown, Stroud, Glos GL5 1BB (1960’s building) 

For sale by auction on 22nd and 23rd October 2025 by Allsop.  

Further information available on Allsop's auction website: Lot 185 - Former Stroud Library

To arrange a viewing please contact joint auctioneers Bruton Knowles on 01452 880000 or Phoebe Harmer on 07516 507939 / email: phoebe.harmer@brutonknowles.co.uk

UPDATE 9th May 2025

Bruton Knowles have commenced marketing of the freehold of the Former Stroud Library and sub lease of the former Spiritualist Church until 10th June 2027 (remainder of GCC's lease) to a community organisation.

For Sale - Former Library, Lansdown, Stroud, Glos GL5 1BB (1960’s building)

Development Opportunity. Bids invited by 5pm on Friday 18th July 2025 (closing date was previously Monday 30th June 2025). 

Former Stroud Library, Lansdown, Stroud, GL5 1BB

Community bid documentation and guidance for sale of former Stroud Library:

  1. Community Bid Guidance To Completing The Business Case - Former Stroud Library
  2. Community Bid Criteria and Process for Assessing Business Cases - Former Stroud Library
  3. Community Bid Instructions to Bidders - Former Stroud Library
  4. Community Bid The Business Case Proforma - Former Stroud Library
  5. Evaluation Scoring - Former Stroud Library

Let STC - Former Spiritualist Church, Lansdown, Stroud, Glos GL5 1BB

Sub lease available until 10th June 2027. Rent offers to be submitted by 5pm on Friday 18th July 2025 (closing date was previously Monday 30th June 2025). 

Former Spiritualist Church, Lansdown, Stroud, Glos GL5 1BB

Community bid documentation and guidance for sub lease of Former Spiritualist Church:

  1. Community Bid The Offer - Former Spiritualist Church
  2. Community Bid Heads of Terms - Former Spiritualist Church
  3. Community Bid The Business Case Proforma - Former Spiritualist Church
  4. Community Bid Guidance to completing The Business Case - Former Spiritualist Church
  5. Community Bid Criteria and Process for Assessing Business Case - Former Spiritualist Church
  6. Community Bid Scoring Matrix - Former Spiritualist Church

For further information on the properties and to arrange a viewing please contact the agents Bruton Knowles -  Phoebe Harmer on 07516 507939 / 01452 880000 or email: phoebe.harmer@brutonknowles.co.uk or Dorian Wragg on 07738 103935 / 01452 880000 or email: dorian.wragg@brutonknowles.co.uk 

UPDATE 24th March 2025

Stroud District Council has now granted planning permission for removal of the link corridor, to separate the two buildings. It is estimated that the works will be completed by end of April 2025. Once the works have been completed, viewings can take place. 

Bruton Knowles have been formally instructed to market the freehold of the Former Stroud Library and the leasehold or sub lease of the former Spiritualist Church (for the remainder of GCC's lease) to a community organisation.

Contact details for agents:

Dorian Wragg - Tel: 01452 880104 - Email: dorian.wragg@brutonknowles.co.uk 

Phoebe Harmer - Tel: 01452 880194 - Email: phoebe.harmer@brutonknowles.co.uk  

UPDATE 27th November 2024

Works to separate the buildings

A planning application was submitted to remove the link corridor on 9th September 2024, planning ref S.24/1645/LBC. We are awaiting the decision by Stroud District Council

Here is a link to the planning application:-

S.24/1645/LBC | Removal of the link corridor that connects the former spiritualist church to the library. | Stroud Spiritualist Church Lansdown Stroud Gloucestershire GL5 1BB

Former Spiritualist Church

GCC is in the process of clarifying issues about the legal position in relation to leasing the property to a community group. Its unlikely we will have this information before the end of the year. There will be no viewings until this is clarified and the works to remove the corridor between the two buildings has been completed and made safe.

Former Library (1960’s building)

As the property is listed as an Asset of Community Value with Stroud District Council (SDC) there is a process to follow when the owner ,GCC wishes to sell the property.

GCC informed SDC on 20th August 2024 that it intends to sell the property . This triggered a six week moratorium period in which the person/organisation who applied to get the property listed must respond to SDC with their intention to bid for the property.

No notices of an intention to bid have been received so the extended moratorium has not been triggered. This means there is now a “protected period” until 20th February 2026 within which the library can be sold without giving any notice. 

However, GCC promised in its community engagement process that the property won’t be marketed until spring/Summer 2025 to allow any interested community organisations to prepare business cases and bids for the property.

GCC is under an obligation to get Best Value in accordance with its Disposals Policy. The property will be placed on the open market and offers will be invited for anyone to bid including developers and the community. The assessment of submitted bids will take account of the wider social, economic, and environmental outcomes.

An agent will be appointed and marketing of the property will commence in Spring 2025. Offers will need to be submitted to the agent by a closing date (which will be agreed nearer the time).

The following guidance sheets are already available on GCC’s webpage to help you in the bidding process:

  • Guidance to Completing The Business Case
  • Criteria/Process for assessing Business Cases
  • Business case pro forma
  • Instructions for Bidders and Tender Evaluation Process
  • Evaluation scoring
  • If you have any queries, please contact estates@gloucestershire.gov.uk

No viewings of the property will take place until the works to demolish the link corridor between the two buildings have been carried out and made safe. This is unlikely to be this year as we are still awaiting a planning decision for these works.


Information and condition data

89569 AMPS Premises Security Assessment 22.23 Stroud Library

91000 ACISURC12 Annual Property Return Corporate (Version 1.0) Stroud Library

Stroud Library Gas Installation Safety Certificate

83133 Stroud Library June 2022 Keloscape Fire Consult Ltd NG

Stroud Library Engineering Report 27.06.2023

Energy Display Certificate

Equalities Assessment

Stroudlibrary Report On RAAC At Stroud Library

75883 GCC Stroud Library T I Report No 1391 (Electrical Report)

28048 Stroudlib AR 0030 1982 0236 1990 6040 DECS Advisory Report

2024 0005 ASSETC APPROVE NOMINATION FOR COMMUNITY ASSET 3224685

Floor Plans And Site Photos

Internal area floor plans for Former Stroud Library and Spiritualist Church

Stroud Library Spiritualist Church Asbestos Survey Ceiling Tiles Only 03.11.05

Stroud Library Asbestos Survey Specific Areas Report 13.09.08

Stroud Library Asbestos Survey Report for Boiler Room 27.04.09

Stroud Library Asbestos Management Survey Report 24.09.12

Stroud Library Asbestos Refurbishment Survey to Specific Areas Report 20.06.14 

Stroud Library Asbestos Refurbishment Survey Report 17.12.21

56446 GCCP2271 WRA Stroud Library 09.09.2019 Water Hygiene

Stroud Library Cost Summary 13.08.2024

Stroud Library Boundary Plan

Stroud Library - Former Spiritualist Church Boundary Plan

 

Frequently asked questions

GCC is not in a position to share details of other parties who have contacted us. It will be for local organisations to make contact with each other.

GCC is not in a position to share details of other parties who have contacted us. It will be for local organisations to make contact with each other.

An advert will be placed in the local press and on GCC’s website explaining the procedure.

An advert will be placed in the local press and on GCC’s website explaining the procedure.

We will reconsider our options.

We will reconsider our options.