Hillingdon Council is exploring ways to increase revenue from its library spaces by boosting business and private hire opportunities. However, the council faces challenges in attracting new customers and increasing utilisation rates.
The Corporate Resources & Infrastructure Select Committee met on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, to discuss a report titled SC - Libraries Space Hire SC - Libraries Space Hire and consider how to maximise the use of library spaces for business and private hire. Darren Deeks, Head of Libraries & Cultural Services, and his team provided information on the work being undertaken in the libraries service.
According to the report, the library service manages a variety of spaces, including dedicated meeting rooms, main library spaces (as part of a pilot scheme), and a smaller library area called the Nook
at Ruislip Manor Library. The report noted the potential use of former adult education rooms at Ruislip Manor, but ongoing damp issues and a lack of accessible evacuation routes are currently restricting their use.
In May 2024, an online booking system was implemented to improve booking management and automate payments. The system, delivered via Kajima's BookingsPlus, allows for space discovery, booking management, and payments.
Data from the report indicates that overall utilisation across all libraries is approximately 25% of available booking hours, dropping to 16% when considering paid bookings only. Botwell Green Library, Oak Farm Library and Yeading Library have the highest utilisation rates and total paid booking hours.
Business use accounts for 39.10% of total booked hours, while education and training account for 34.26%. Resident groups account for around two thirds (64%) of total paid booked hours, with non-resident groups making up 36%.
Room hire is the library service's main income stream and is subject to rising targets (£98k for 2025/26). Last financial year, room hire income reached a record £93k, due in large part to an agreement with Barclays Bank UK Plc at Ruislip Manor and Botwell Green libraries. This agreement highlights one example of the types of businesses utilising library spaces. The report does not specify any negative impacts on library services and accessibility for other users as a result of the agreement with Barclays.
The report identifies several barriers preventing higher utilisation rates, particularly for paid bookings. These include a reliance on longstanding regular hirers and limited marketing, which has made attracting new customers more challenging. Other contributing factors are likely to include a shift to online activities, changes within local community groups, fee increases that could price out new businesses and adjustments to library opening hours that have limited access.
The report made several recommendations, including:
- Developing a directory of local hireable spaces to better understand available provision and benchmark pricing and facilities.
- Adjusting pricing tiers and trialling targeted marketing or introductory discounts to attract new users and stimulate use during low-demand periods.
- Strengthening collaboration with the Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce, local SMEs, and community groups to understand evolving space requirements, promote existing offers, and guide investment decisions.
- Undertaking targeted user surveys with existing hirers to better understand the unique selling points (USPs) of the council's spaces, explore where they typically search for hireable venues, and identify additional features or services that would make the spaces more attractive.
- Expanding marketing reach by exploring hyperlocal and community-focused channels beyond current platforms, such as Nextdoor and Facebook community groups.
The committee was expected to note the evidence heard pertaining to the review.