About the extension
The British Library is home to one of the most important collections of books, manuscripts, newspapers, maps and sound recordings in the world, which it opens to spark new ideas and realise possibilities for everyone.
Now, a once-in-a-generation transformation will extend the Library’s St Pancras site to make space for new inspiration, enabling more people than ever before to use and explore its collection, programmes and services.
Following consultation with community leaders and residents, plans were approved in 2024 to develop the land north of the Library. This landmark project is being taken forward by Mitsui Fudosan through a £1.1 billion groundbreaking investment. The British Library is seeking the support of visionary philanthropists and partners to fit out new state-of-the-art spaces and programmes within this new building for culture, learning, research and business support.
The scheme will deliver 100,000 sq ft of new space for the British Library, including:
- new exhibition galleries and event spaces
- expanded provision for the Library’s free and low-cost business support services
- approximately 10,000 sq ft of affordable workspaces with 10% available for free to local people
- a new learning centre for schools and families
- a multi-use foyer with event spaces available for local businesses and the community
- new entrances to open up the Library on Ossulston Street and Midland Road
- new green spaces including a community garden
The extension will additionally provide a new headquarters for The Alan Turing Institute, plus 600,000 sq ft of commercial space for organisations looking to make their base within the Knowledge Quarter to help create a thriving ecosystem for science and innovation in the UK.
The scheme will also support the regeneration of the local area with new learning and employment opportunities and a £23 million contribution towards affordable housing in Somers Town.
The benefits at a glance
100,000 sq ft new publicly accessible library spaces
10,000 sq ft new affordable workspace
New community garden to be co-designed with and managed by the community
£23 million contribution towards the delivery of new affordable homes in Somers Town
Local employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities
Dedicated Somers Town Community Engagement Manager (helping create education and employment opportunities, and support environmental projects in Somers Town)
New public entrances, including access from Somers Town, opening up the site through new routes, a new public access foyer and contributions to pedestrian and cycling improvements
How the British Library is transforming
Find out more about how and why the British Library is opening up its St Pancras site and how you can support this transformation.
