It was a little over eight years ago that the need for more community space in Broughty Ferry was first highlighted.
Since then, consultation on two consecutive local plans has detailed the same requirement for facilities for all ages.
Matters took a step forward in 2012, when a feasibility study identified the best option as an extension to Broughty Ferry Library.
Significant consultations, planning and costings have since taken place, with the project seemingly no closer to fruition.
Now, however, it is back on the drawing board with Dundee City Council seeking to appoint a contractor to progress the extension.
Approval will be sought at a meeting of the City Development Committee on Monday to appoint Keir Construction to design and cost the project under the Scape Framework.
That work would enable Leisure and Culture Dundee to apply for external funding from a variety of sources.
It has been tasked with sourcing funding to match the £346,000 set aside in the council’s capital plan for 2016-21 to support the project.
Community groups have been positive about the plans, but want to ensure that the extension of the category C listed building is accomplished sensitively.
Council Leader and local councillor, Ken Guild, said the extension had been a long time coming, but hopes that real progress is now being made.
He said: “The Broughty Ferry Library is one of the busiest in Dundee and it has always had a very strong community focus.
“Broughty Ferry Community Council is just one of the bodies that uses the library for meetings and events.
“Unfortunately, it is clear that the space is not big enough at present, so the idea is to get an extension that will enable bigger meetings to be held.
“I very much hope that, after so long in the planning, significant progress is now being made.”
It is hoped that the addition of a “community wing” to the library would enable it to hold bigger and better events for all ages.
The new space would also benefit local groups, such as the community council, some of whose recent meetings have attracted significant audiences.
More than 100 people packed the library to capacity – and perhaps beyond – in February when the committee discussed the issue of boundary change.
The building is also a regular host of events, such as the Dundee at War exhibition and Harry Potter Night, which brought a large number of young wizards and witches to the library.
