Construction news

We aim to keep you updated with news on developments on site during the course of the projects lifetime. Please look out for updates which we will post on a regular basis.

Upcoming works

September 2026

Foundation piling commences

October 2026

New tank farm installed to service the existing British Library services. Piling commences. Foundation piling continues.

November 2026

Foundation piling continues.

December 2026

British Library Conservation Centre handed over for preparations for demolition.

Groundbreaking ceremony

21 September 2026 marked a major milestone for the extension project, as we officially broke ground with a special ceremony (‘Ji chin sai’) on site – a time-honoured Japanese tradition.

We were delighted to welcome more than 100 guests, including representatives from local community groups, Camden Council and businesses based in the King’s Cross Knowledge Quarter.

Relive the ceremony – watch the video and browse the photos below.

Video by Parkes Productions Ltd

Photos by Tyson Sadlo at Herd Represented

Construction Management Plan

The purpose of a Construction Management Plan (CMP) is to help developers to minimise construction impacts and relates to all construction activity both on and off site that impacts on the wider environment.

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Find out more about community activities at the British Library.

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