British Library’s extension plans get the green light from council

[THE BRITISH LIBRARY has had its plans for a £400m extension approved by Camden Council’s Planning Committee. The plans were submitted last year by the library and its development partners Stanhope Plc and Mitsui Fudosan UK Ltd (SMBL).

The development, designed by RSHP led by senior partner Graham Stirk, will extend, reorientate and open up the St Pancras site, enabling it to respond to the changing needs of the library’s users by creating new spaces for culture, learning, research and business, which will invite anyone to come in and explore in ways that suit them.

In a statement issued following approval of the plans at a meeting on 30 January, the museum said: “Alongside our work to open up the library online and through public libraries across the UK, this transformation will enable millions more people to access the library and to make their own space for thought, connection or discovery.”

The extension will provide approximately 100,000ft2 of new space for the British Library, including new exhibition galleries, a bespoke new learning centre and additional event spaces. New, more informal, entrances will open up the library and, at the heart of the extension, a new foyer will host events with local communities and businesses.

The new spaces will also allow the library to celebrate local culture and heritage and develop events, exhibitions and opportunities for and with the local community, and it will create new outdoor green courtyards and walkways for everyone to enjoy, as well as a dedicated community garden at Ossulston Street.

The library will be able to offer commercial space to organisations and companies of all sizes looking to make their base within the Knowledge Quarter, creating a thriving ecosystem for local and global businesses alike. It will also establish a permanent home for The Alan Turing Institute

Roly Keating, chief executive of the British Library, commented: “We are thrilled that our plans to extend our site at St Pancras have been approved by Camden Council’s Planning Committee. The proposals will enable us to provide a brand new public space for London that’s connected to our local community and open to the world.

“This long-planned extension will make it possible for even more people to access and enjoy the library, with a host of flexible new spaces including a new bespoke learning centre and spectacular new exhibition galleries. Working with our partners, we look forward to collaborating with our neighbours in Camden and beyond as we develop our site for everyone.”

David Camp, chief executive of Stanhope – representing SMBL Developments Ltd – added: “We are delighted with the decision made by Camden Council’s Planning Committee, who have resolved to approve the planning and listed building consent applications for the extension of the British Library.

“These proposals, submitted in partnership with the British Library, will deliver much needed new space for the British Library, significant areas of new public realm and new lab-enabled commercial space for businesses and organisations wanting to locate in the Knowledge Quarter: especially those in the life sciences sector. It will also provide a significant number of benefits and opportunities for the local community.

“The next step is for the GLA to consider the application, and we will work with officers to finalise the necessary legal agreements.”

Tomoo Nakamura, chief executive of Mitsui Fudosan UK, said: “We welcome Camden Council Planning Committee’s decision to approve our proposals. The decision recognises the importance of this scheme both for local people and for users of – and visitors to – the British Library. It also represents a great opportunity to contribute to the area’s economic success and to enable the delivery of key infrastructure. We look forward to continuing to support this project as it moves ahead.” q