Hopes that Labour would save Birmingham’s Central Library from demolition if the party takes control of the city council next May have been dashed.

Group leader Sir Albert Bore confirmed that he would go ahead with a plan to get rid of the 1970s brutalist structure, which is due to be knocked down to make way for a £500 million redevelopment of Paradise Circus after the new civic library opens in Centenary Square in 2013.

Although the clearance proposal was devised by the council’s Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition, it is not being opposed by Labour councillors.

Sir Albert (Lab Ladywood) was responding to a plea to save the building from Friends of the Central Library organiser Alan Clawley.

In a letter to Sir Albert, Mr Clawley points out that English Heritage has twice recommended that the Central Library be listed as a building of special architectural importance and kept for future generations to enjoy.

However, an immunity from listing certificate approved by the Government this year effectively gives the council until 2016 to demolish the building.