IT'S time for residents to have their say on the future of our historic Gamble Building.

Next week, a series of public engagement events will be held for residents to help shape the future use of the historic Gamble building.

Situated in Victoria Square, the Gamble building was built in the late 1800s and officially opened in 1896, a gift to the people of St Helens by Sir David Gamble.

The Archive Service is still based there, along with many council staff, but sadly since 2017 the library has been closed due to damage making that section of the building unsafe.

St Helens Council say they are committed to bringing the Gamble building back into full use and has announced a number of engagement drop-in events that will take place in a retail unit next to Hays Travel on Church Street from March 3 to March 5 between 11am and 4pm.

Council Leader David Baines said: “We’ve made it very clear that we want to see this iconic building restored and fully open. It belongs to the people of St Helens and with its 125th anniversary taking place in 2021 there's no better time to reopen it to the public.

"While we are fully committed to repairing and reopening the Gamble, it’s important we take this opportunity to make sure it is used in the right way for the greatest benefit to St Helens. We need to look at its long-term sustainability, and protect it for future generations.”

Councillor Kate Groucutt, cabinet member for corporate services, estates and communication, said: “We’re keen to hear from as many residents and community groups as possible on how we can use the building in the future – whether it’s for cultural, educational, heritage, arts or social purposes – so I’d encourage anyone able to do so to attend these events and put their suggestions forward.

“We had a really positive reaction to the engagement events we recently ran on the future of Earlestown Town Hall, and I hope we’ll get a similarly good response on the Gamble building, which means a great deal to so many people.”

Erected in 1896, the Gamble Institute as it was then known, began life as a library and technical school.

In November 2016, a number of celebratory events were held to mark its 120th anniversary.

Back in April 2018 St Helens Council announced plans to establish a temporary library at The World of Glass, part of wider plans to turn the museum into an arts and cultural centre.

A firm date has still not been set for the opening of the new town centre library.

You can also share your view via surveymonkey.co.uk/r/gamble-building or by emailing thegambleconsultation@sthelens.gov.uk from Monday, March 2 until Friday, March 27.