Plans by Liverpool City Council to redevelop the Central Library and Archive into a ‘World Discovery Centre’ have been chosen to apply for a share in £39 million under the Private Finance Initiative, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport announced recently. The World Discovery Centre will provide high quality facilities, including books and audio visual materials, as well as access to ICT learning services with support to enhance digital skills. The refurbishment will also create lecture theatres, public exhibition space, community meeting rooms and include a franchise coffee outlet. The local authority project is one of five in England which have been selected to go forward for the funding pool. Other local authority culture and leisure projects chosen include:

Croydon Council, with plans to replace a branch library and music service;

A new library and learning centre proposed by Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council;

South Tyneside Council’s plans for a new community theatre and swimming pool linked to the building of a new school.

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council’s plans for three new swimming pools Some of the schemes will be jointly funded between the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Government departments. The Private Finance Initiative (PFI) is a form of Public Private Partnerships (PPP). The PFI is currently delivering public services in over 10 local authorities. Over 220 projects have been endorsed, approximately 106 have signed contracts and at least 81 have progressed to providing the services. The local government PFI programme began in 1997/98 and so far nearly £5 billion of capital investmest has been approved. According to the DCMS a further £2 billion should be approved over the next year. For more information visit the Department of Culture, Media and Sport website