Shortlands Library service

Since the closure on 19 January 2026, a number of investigations have been undertaken to understand the condition of the building and the factors contributing to the structural concerns. As further investigation work is needed, the council does not have firm timescales for reopening, with this work following a step‑by‑step process to ensure the building’s structural safety is fully assessed.

Once the surveys are complete and the causes are clearly understood, we will be able to determine the next stage.

The investigation work has included:

Drainage surveys

Drainage surveys have now been completed. These identified further disused drainage systems that were not previously recorded. These additional findings are currently being investigated to determine their condition and whether they are contributing to the issues identified at the rear of the building, with further surveys planned.

To facilitate this work, a section of the concrete slab within the building has had to be removed to allow access to the drainage system for inspection. The exposed areas are now being investigated, and it may be necessary to remove additional sections of the concrete slab depending on the outcomes of the further surveys and the structural engineer’s assessment.

Any remedial works required to the floor and the concrete slab will be factored into the scope of works at the next stage once all investigations are complete.

Tree assessments

Tree assessments have also been carried out to understand any potential impact from surrounding vegetation on the building. This forms part of the wider work to ensure all possible causes are considered and understood.

Soil conditions and subsidence risk

The property is located on London clay, a soil type known to be a risk factor in subsidence cases due to its shrink–swell behaviour.

In addition, summer 2025 was considered an ‘event’ year because of prolonged heat and dry conditions, which resulted in increased shrinkage of clay soils and a significant rise in subsidence cases across London. This historic weather pattern is a relevant consideration in understanding the possible causes of movement at the library.

Asbestos discovery and safety measures

Air tests and specialist asbestos surveys were carried out during the investigative works. These confirmed the extent of asbestos but also confirmed that there has been no exposure to date and that air quality is safe.

However, given the current uncertainty around the cause of the building movement, we are not yet in a position to be assured that asbestos would not pose a risk in the future if movement were to affect the material’s condition. As part of our ongoing investigations, we are therefore actively reviewing the options for the safe removal of the asbestos to ensure long‑term safety.

Structural engineer essessment

We are in the process of commissioning a structural engineer to undertake a full assessment of the building. This assessment will be informed by all investigations completed to date, including the drainage surveys (which identified previously unrecorded disused drainage systems), the tree assessments, and the asbestos surveys and air tests.

The structural engineer’s assessment is a critical next step in establishing the root cause of the issues affecting the building and determining the appropriate course of action.

Health and safety

Health and safety remains the top priority. Entry to the building has been strictly controlled and only permitted when it has been confirmed safe to do so. This allowed us, for example, to enter and switch off internal lighting that remained on following the initial closure. At present, the building is not in a condition where it can be safely reopened to the public.