Consultation for
British Library Extension


Illustrative view of scheme from Midland Road.
Planning application validated
The applications for planning permission and listed building consent for the British Library extension project have now been submitted and validated by Camden Council on the council’s planning portal.
The reference number for the main planning application is 2022/1041/P. You can also view the Listed Building Consent application for the site using the reference number 2022/1320/L. Should you want to revisit the details of our proposals and provide the Council with any comments you may have, simply include the reference number on the search function of the planning portal.
Key planning application documents will also be available to view from Monday 4 April at the British Library, located on the Upper Ground Floor near to the existing model.
We want to hear your views to make sure this project delivers for everyone in the local community. Find out more on how you can be involved here.
Now, a once-in-a-generation transformation is being planned to extend the British Library’s site in London to make it the most open, creative and innovative institution of its kind anywhere in the world, which is an important part of the British Library’s “Living Knowledge” vision.
The project to take this vision forward is a partnership between the British Library and SMBL Developments (a joint venture between Stanhope Plc and Mitsui Fudosan UK Ltd).
find Out about:


Visualisation of the British Library Extension.
The British Library extension

The British Library extension would also become a meeting place where everyone can visit and enjoy the Library and the new opportunities created, and will provide a new headquarters for The Alan Turing institute, the UK national centre for data science and artificial intelligence.
There are three main aims to this project:
1. Growing the library

Improving the public realm and connections to Somers Town, through opening up the site and providing new entrances to the British Library Extension at the north which will be accessible from both Midland Road and Ossulston Street, closer to Somers Town, to improve access for the local community.
2. Creating the heart of the Knowledge Quarter

A significant part of the extension will comprise commercial space to be leased to those who want to work and collaborate with businesses and communities in the Knowledge Quarter, joining other research-based institutions near the Library such as the Francis Crick Institute and The Alan Turing Institute.
3. Unlocking London’s largest transport hub

The Library’s new spaces and the Station Works infrastructure for Crossrail 2 beneath the site would be funded by new commercial space (c 600,000 sq ft). This will also create more job opportunities within the Knowledge Quarter.

Foyer view looking east towards Midland Road.
benefits Of the Project








Get in Touch
Let us know any feedback or any questions and a member of the project team will get back to you:
0800 307 7968 (freephone)
blextension@londoncommunications.co.uk
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