Aims and objectives

Project Start Date and End Date

The new library was begun in June 2008 after more than a year of planning and negotiation and completed in October 2009. 

Services offered

Success factors

Risk factors

Business/operational model

The project was initiated by Suffolk County Council who sought a registered social landlord partner to develop the scheme. Once Flagship had been chosen, a project team was set up to include all partner organisations including Suffolk Libraries.

On an operational level the library is managed by Suffolk Libraries.  Joint activities and partnership working are developed and delivered by staff from the various organisations with the lead being defined by the nature of the individual activity. Regular management meetings are held providing the opportunity for the various parties to share information, problem solve and identify opportunities for development.  

Financing and delivery/procurement

Suffolk County Council negotiated the sale of 0.48 hectare site (1.18 acres) to Flagship Housing Group. The sale at a peppercorn was conditional upon Flagship funding the building construction, granting a 99 year lease of the library and community space to Suffolk County Council at a peppercorn rent, and the grant of nomination rights to SCC for 7 of the 32 Very Sheltered Housing units. Homes and Community Association grant was achieved with the support from Waveney District Council Housing Office.





A small area of additional land was purchased from Waveney District Council, and a contribution made towards improving the play equipment on the adjoining district council land.

Measurement and Monitoring

Future developments

The library in Kessingland inevitably had very strong links with the local primary school. We have been very keen to ensure these links remain and grow through the relocation of the library. As well as the regular class visits from the school and nursery, there are plans to build on the huge potential for community cohesion work that our unique situation provides, with the library facilitating intergenerational activities between children from the school and residents of the very sheltered scheme.