The Cabinet Member Signing meeting on 9 March 2026 approved the commencement of a procurement exercise for remediation works to the roof of Hornsey Library. The meeting also resolved to exclude the press and public from discussions relating to exempt information concerning Hornsey Library.

Hornsey Library Roof Remediation

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Councillor Emily Arkell, approved the commencement of a procurement exercise to find a contractor for essential remediation works to the roof of Hornsey Library. Structural surveys identified Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the roof area of the library's main space, posing significant safety concerns. To ensure continued public access, a scaffold crash deck has been installed.

The decision to proceed with procurement was made to address the safety risks and to avoid the ongoing cost of the temporary crash deck. The proposed solution involves encapsulating the RAAC with a Metsec system, which is considered a cost-effective approach that will not alter the roof's appearance, thus meeting conservation requirements. This option was chosen over removing and replacing the RAAC, which would be more expensive and potentially disruptive. The works are scheduled to be completed by April 2027, in time for Hornsey Library's use in the London Borough of Culture 2027.

The procurement will be conducted using the London Construction Programme Education Framework or DPS, adhering to the Council's Contract Standing Orders. Alternative options considered and discounted included doing nothing, which was deemed financially irresponsible and unsafe; undertaking the work in-house, for which the Council lacks the necessary resources; and inviting open tenders via Contracts Finder, which would cause unacceptable delays.

Exclusion of Press and Public

A decision was made to exclude the press and public from a portion of the meeting. This was due to the discussion of exempt information related to Item 8, Hornsey Library Exempt, which contained details concerning the financial or business affairs of individuals or the authority, and information subject to legal professional privilege, as defined by Section 100a of the Local Government Act 1972.