Three rundown libraries at Broomhill, Woodseats and Woodhouse are going to be replaced, with no cost for the Sheffield City Council.

The scheme is only possible because councillors are expected to approve this week the continuation of negotiations with developers as Council and Government don’t have funds to redevelop them.

At Woodseats, the current library , in Chesterfield Road, will be upgraded, with shops on the ground floor and the library on first floor.

At Woodhouse, a project is being prepared to use the sites of the existing library in Stradbroke Road to build a new one, with community facilities and homes.

Both libraries are expected to open next year.

The Broomhill’s project, however, will take a bit longer to get ready. The Council hopes the new development will open in 2014. The existing library will be relocated from Taptonville Road to an office block in Peel Street, creating at the same time a community hub.

The three community libraries, according to a report to the council’s cabinet, need a “significant investment” and, without this scheme, can be expected to deteriorate further.  However, the Council warns that changes in the property market can affect the viability of the proposals.