Perth Voice Interactive

A DECISION made behind closed doors to relocate Morley library has infuriated the Bayswater City Residents’ Association.

In a meeting closed to the public, Bayswater council voted to shift the library from the Galleria to the Morley sport and recreation centre before 2016.

BCRA president Tony Green says the public was bypassed.

“City of Bayswater should have formed a working committee with community members at least, to determine the relocation of the library,” he says.

“There was absolutely no reason for this meeting to be held behind closed doors either.

“The only time I have seen a councillor in the library is when the bloody thing was opened.”

The peppercorn lease for the library expired September 30, prompting the decision to shift.

Mayor Sylvan Albert says the lease has been extended to the end of next year, but he refused to say how much rent the city is now paying.

“An interim agreement has been put in place that extends the lease for the library through to the end of 2015. The meeting was closed because it involved disclosure of information that has commercial value regarding negotiations of the lease agreement.

“We are currently in the very early stages of this project and consultation will be undertaken as the project develops.”

Cr Albert says the council will prepare a relocation report, including costs.

The Galleria is also home to the council-owned Max Tulley Centre and a child care centre.

Earlier this year, it was mooted the facilities could be relocated to a new multi-million dollar Les Hansman Community Centre in Morley.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK