A new use for the Main Library

In 2012, the plan is for the main library to move out of the old buildings at Mølleparken and into the new Multimedia Centre, which is to be built at the harbour where the stream flows into the sea. The so-called southern bastion.

This naturally means that the central buildings will be vacated and will need to be put to new uses. Either as they stand, after conversion, or simply as a building site for a new structure.

The buildings are situated in the heart of the cultural corridor that runs alongside the stream, and already today this area comprises Voxhall, Huset, Aros, Ridehuset, Musikhuset and the City Museum.
In the future, the area is envisaged to be expanded, for example by continuing the beautification work around the stream, by incorporating the Godsbane areas, and by creating a city park on the Stenhugger site.

However, the area’s vitality and function are under some pressure due to budget cuts, not least the closure of Huset.
For the same reason, it currently seems unlikely that the local authority will be able to find the funds to retain the site, particularly given that, as a general rule, proceeds from the sale of buildings are used to finance new buildings serving the same purpose.

One can still hope, however, that any sale will be subject to a clause stipulating that the site must be used for a public-facing cultural institution, or something else that makes the most of its prestigious location and history. Unfortunately, the most lucrative (and therefore most likely) option is probably a sale to a residential or commercial development.