LEDBURY'S former library, the empty Elizabeth Barrett Browning Institute, could be rented out temporarily for offices before being re-launched as a community hub.

Alex Clive, chairman of the Ledbury Spaces scheme group, which recently failed in its application for £2m from the Heritage Lottery Fund, to secure the future of Ledbury's most iconic buildings, says the group's long-term hopes for the Institute have not changed.

He said: "We feel confident we do have the opportunities to move forward."

Mr Clive, who is also chairman of the Elizabeth Barrett Browning Institute Trust, which owns the building, said: "With no disabled access there, it does slightly limit the opportunities we have got. The flat which is on the top floor would need a considerable amount of work before it could be made useful.

"But we are thinking of renting out office space; that sort of thing. We will be looking to see if we can find temporary uses for the Institute."

But Mr Clive added: "We are very keen to keep the building in community use, for the benefit of the community."

He said he would still like to eventually proceed with the plan that was in the Ledbury Places submission, for a "Ledbury community hub and with the town council occupying part of the building".

Mr Clive said: "That's still the plan. That hasn't changed."

The Institute, which doubles as the town centre clock tower, currently stands empty and unused at the corner of Bye Street and the Homend.

Ledbury's new library is now in the Master's House, on St Katherine's car park, following a £2.9m renovation of the rambling medieval building.

But with Ledbury Places still considering its failed grant bid, a more short-term use for the Institute needs to be found.

The Elizabeth Barrett Browning Institute Trust, takes the building back from Herefordshire Council in one month.

Any changes to the building, in use or structure, and to other buildings in the Ledbury Places submission, would require funding.

The Ledbury Places team is now considering "whether to re-apply for the same grant or go for a smaller grant".

This following a meeting with Heritage Lottery in March, which Mr Clive described as "useful and informative"

He said: "We are considering options."

The failed £2m grant application to the Heritage Lottery Fund would have covered work to secure the long-term future and sustainability of the Barrett Browning Institute, the Burgage Hall, the Heritage Centre, the Market House, the Butcher Row House Museum and the Town Council offices.