Shortlands Library to stay closed for years after asbestos and sink hole found

Shortlands Library in Bromley will remain closed for months or possibly years after asbestos and a sink hole were discovered in the building. Bromley Council confirmed the findings after investigating cracks in a rear wall that led to the library’s closure in January.

The library has been operating from a temporary location inside St Mary’s Church on Kingswood Road since the closure. The council said the subsidence was caused by two large trees in front of the building, which will need to be removed in stages starting this autumn.

Why the library cannot reopen soon

A Bromley Council spokesperson said the trees are too large to remove quickly. Work will take place outside of nesting season to avoid disturbing wildlife. The council expects the process to take months, if not years, before repairs can begin.

The spokesperson said: "The two large trees at the front are causing subsidence at the property. This is causing cracking in the walls, including where there is asbestos present, and a sink hole in the floor."

Before any repairs can start, the council will conduct an air test to check for asbestos particles. If none are found, books, equipment and other materials will be removed for reuse elsewhere. The temporary library at St Mary’s Church will also be improved to create a better space for visitors.

What happens next

Tree removal is scheduled to begin in autumn, but the council has not given a timeline for when the library might reopen. Bromley Council is also considering long-term options, including finding a new permanent location for the library in Shortlands.