HAMPSHIRE’s busiest library is set for a major shake-up as plans have been unveiled.

Hampshire Cultural Trust could take over the running of Winchester Discovery Centre.

It comes as county bosses have agreed to develop  detailed plans for a new partnership.

The move would see the trust manage  the building, operate the café and run the cultural programme while the freehold would remain with Hampshire County Council which would continue to run the library at the site.

According to the plans, the  café and bar would be revamped to

increase capacity and ensure the area can be used for evening events.

The overall opening hours of the building would also increase to around 61 hours a week.

There would also be a retail area and further refurbishment works to improve the Children’s Library and existing toilets.

A detailed business case is now set to be developed before a final decision is taken.

It is not yet known whether the move would result in job losses.

According to official documents  the overall number of staff required “will remain broadly the same” under the proposed partnership.

However, the council said that over time it is expected that the number of staff employed by the council will reduce and the number of staff employed by Hampshire Cultural Trust will increase.

When asked to clarify whether there would be job losses, the council said: “Until a more thorough assessment has been undertaken, we cannot confirm any further details. We continue to keep Discovery Centre staff informed at every step of the way as these plans develop.”

Cllr Edward Heron, executive member for recreation, heritage, countryside and rural affairs, said: “We want to be open and transparent about this exciting new cultural vision, knowing that the centre is a much-loved site and the home of our busiest library. This concept is focused on how we can build a stronger future for the centre as a major hub for culture, whilst continuing to be a safe and welcoming community space. The aim is to boost the city’s reputation in this important sector and provide economic opportunities. Both organisations will now progress to the next stage and consider in detail how a closer partnership would evolve.”

The news comes as the county council revealed that Winchester Discovery Centre currently costs £1.03 million a year to run and generates an income

of approximately £200,000 per year.

The authority said the partnership would provide the opportunity to develop joint funding applications “which would help secure the long-term financial viability” of the venue.

Hampshire Cultural Trust Chief Executive, Paul Sapwell, said: “We are looking forward to working closely with Hampshire County Council  to develop our business case which will realise our joint vision of securing a financially resilient and sustainable future for Winchester Discovery Centre.”

The trust has been operating The Gallery and City Space within the centre since 2014.

A detailed business case is expected to be concluded by the early summer.

The Grade II listed building was opened in 1838, originally serving as the city’s

Corn Exchange. It has also been a roller-skating rink, theatre, and dance hall,

before being converted to a public library in 1936.