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£1.1bn British Library extension plans to go ahead

SMBL An artist's impression of the frontage for the extended space, featuring an illuminated vertical white sign for the British Library, beneath exposed beams and pillars at the entrance to the building. Wide open paved space with planting and seating can also be seen in the foregroundSMBL
The project will see a total of 700,000 sq ft (65,090 sq m) of new library, research and commercial spaces

Plans for a huge £1.1bn extension of the British Library are expected to be completed by 2032, the developer has confirmed.

The project will see a total of 700,000 sq ft (65,090 sq m) of new library, learning, research and commercial space on the site in Kings Cross, alongside a redesigned full-height foyer and public entrances.

The latest version of the plans were approved by Camden Council last July, but Japanese company Mitsui Fudosan has only now confirmed it will be proceeding with them.

The British Library said the plans will create "a groundbreaking new hub... that will welcome future generations of visitors, learners, researchers and budding entrepreneurs".

Mitsui Fudosan said the design, by architects RSHP and engineers Arup, will also open up the library across three sides, creating new, publicly accessible areas and routes connecting it to Somers Town and St Pancras.

Under the approved application, £23m will be contributed towards affordable housing in Somers Town and 35 new homes will be delivered.

SMBL An artist's impression of an atrium the inside of the newly extended space, including curved bench seating, black pillars and exposed orange beams, rows of bookcases on the ground level with intersecting suspended walkways and windows into floors above with signage and desksSMBL
As well as commercial space, the project will establish new public areas and create an underground area for a potential future Crossrail 2 station

An underground space will be safeguarded for a potential future Crossrail 2 station, as well as extra cycle docking, highways and paths above ground.

There will also be what developers called 'incubator desks' within the library's new business spaces, with 10% of these being free to use by local people.

A new community garden on Ossulston Street will also be established, with the aim of involving local people in its design and management.

The Somers Town Neighbourhood Forum, which represents some local residents, expressed concern about the impact of a previous version of the scheme on a nearby estate, and about the loss of a community garden while the work takes place.

SMBL An artist's impression of another side of the extended building, featuring green and orange cladding and windows with open commercial space below. Wide open paved space with planting and seating can also be seen in the foreground, with outdoor seating and curved windows and green roofing on the right of the imageSMBL
Mitsui Fudosan said the design will also open up the Library across three sides and create new, publicly accessible areas and routes connecting it to Somers Town and St Pancras

Rebecca Lawrence, chief executive of the British Library, said: "The plans will open up the Library even further, creating an expanded national library with state-of-the-art new spaces.

"We look forward to working with philanthropists, our partners and community to create a groundbreaking new hub for science, innovation and knowledge that will welcome future generations of visitors, learners, researchers and budding entrepreneurs."

SMBL An artist's impression of another entrance to the extended space, featuring orange vertical signage for the British Library, next to exposed beams and pillars, curved benches and a large staircase going up into the distance on the right of the imageSMBL
The developer said it believes the project can be delivered with "minimum impact" on library services

Takeshi Iwama, chief executive of Mitsui Fudosan UK, said: "We are proud to be investing in the expansion of one of the UK's most important cultural institutions, as well as continuing to work with community organisations in Camden to ensure that the benefits from this high-profile investment are experienced as much at the local level as they are nationally and internationally."

He added the company is confident the new commercial space "will encourage some of the world's most ambitious and successful life sciences companies to invest in the UK by the early 2030s".

The developers said the next stage will be finalising detailed designs, but it believes the project can be delivered with "minimum impact" on library services and the surrounding area.

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