Lane Library board members approved a letter of intent to proceed with plans to move the Oxford branch of the Lane Public Library to the site of the former Oxford Walmart.

The library would be one of several commercial occupants of a proposed development by New Village Communities. Other occupants would include upscale student residences, according to Lane Library Director Joe Greenward.

“There was a strong preference for the (former) Walmart site,” Greenward said. “We started originally with a list of eight (possible sites) and did a feasibility study to get it to two.”

The board’s decision to proceed with a letter of intent to pursue the location moves the planning stage along but does not obligate them to the project, Greenward said.

“It’s not a done deal, but this is progress down the path unless we see something that is a problem,” said Carrie Mancuso, public relations director for Lane Library.

The current structure, empty since Walmart moved to its College Corner Pike location, will be torn down to make room for the project.

The proposed project “will completely re-purpose the use of the land,” Mancuso said.

There have been long-term discussions about relocating the Smith Library of Regional History because of cramped quarters on the second floor of the current Lane Library location. The Oxford Community Arts Center, which is across the street from the library, was considered as a possible site for the Smith Library.

Mancuso said this project will keep both libraries together.

“The programming preference is to have both aspects of the library in one place,” she said. “The focus on having them in the same location is definitely preferable.”

With so many steps still ahead, Greenward cautioned patience.

New Village Communities, he said, is aiming for the student rental property to be opened for the next school year. He cited 2014 as a realistic time for the library opening.

“We’ll probably get a better feel in January or February about the progress with the city of Oxford,” Mancuso said.

Library space has been one of many factors behind the push for a new library site.

“Parking had definitely been part of the discussion. We did not look at any property that did not have additional parking,” Greenward said. “We are looking at adding other facilities — added large meeting space, some small meeting rooms. We want to add a drive-thru (book drop). They are extremely popular at our other locations. We want to be that center for the community.”