Proposals for Leicester City Council to continue running 15 libraries and three busy neighbourhood centres are set to be formally approved this week.
Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for libraries and community centres, is expected to sign a decision notice backing the plans following one of the council’s largest ever consultation exercises.
Picture credit: Leicester City Council
Under the proposals, the council will invest £2.5 million in neighbourhood buildings. This includes an extra £1 million for improvements to libraries and community centres, on top of £1 million already allocated in the council’s capital programme.
A further £473,000 will fund work enabling people to access six additional libraries outside staffed hours.
More than 6,000 people took part in an online consultation on the future of library and community centre services, while around 1,000 attended 12 community meetings and 15 drop-in sessions across the city.
Following the feedback, the council significantly revised its original plans published in April 2025.
Cllr Dempster said the aim had been to protect “very valued services” despite ongoing budget pressures and ensure they remain available across the city.
Under the plans, library and community services will operate from 18 sites, including 12 multi-service centres in areas such as Beaumont Leys and Highfields. Three libraries previously earmarked to become community-run – in Evington, Knighton and Rushey Mead – will remain council-run.
Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre and Rushey Mead Recreation Centre will also stay under council management, while several other centres will be offered to community groups through a community asset transfer process.
However, Fosse Neighbourhood Centre and Library will close due to low use and the poor condition of the building, with support offered to relocate groups currently based there.
The changes are expected to save £500,000 in 2026/27 and £1.57 million in later years, helping the council balance its budget. Some staff reductions are expected, though the authority says it will try to redeploy employees where possible.
The decision is due to be formally ratified on Wednesday, 11 March.
