FAQs
What do the proposals for the British Library extension include?
What are the timescales for the delivery of this scheme?
How many jobs will be created by the scheme? How many of these will be ‘local’?
What will be the impact of disruption on local people?
As with any construction project, there may be unavoidable periods of noise and disruption once work starts. The existing British Library building will, however, remain open throughout and as these works will take place behind the current site, Library services are not expected to be affected.
Look out for news alerts about particularly disruptive works. If you have any questions or concerns about work on site, please contact David Demolder at David.Demolder@macegroup.com.
What has been agreed and how will the works be carried out?
A copy of the draft Construction Management Plan can be found here. You can send any comments or questions you may have to david.demolder@macegroup.com. All comments will be considered by a Construction Working Group made up of local representatives. Once the plan has been agreed by LB Camden a copy will be available on this website. The Construction Working Group will meet regularly to ensure the works are managed in accordance with our plan.
When is work starting on site?
Site clearance work commenced in January 2026. The Main works will start in Summer 2026.
What will be the first visible signs that work is starting?
In March 2026 we will be digging trial pits near Dangoor Walk. These will give us a good idea of the make-up of the ground so we can finalise our designs before we start the main works.
How are you managing wildlife on the site?
We put in place arrangements to relocate any foxes on site but none were found to be living there. Vegetation is being removed before the bird nesting season to minimise any disturbance to wildlife.
How long will it be before we see a structure starting to appear?
Most of our works will be in the ground until 2027. It is likely to be several years before the structure of the new development starts to appear above ground.
What are you doing to mitigate the impact of dust and noise while work takes place?
We will use dust and noise suppression techniques such as damping down, acoustic screens and ensuring machinery is switched off when not in use.
Will the roads around the site continue to operate as normal?
Yes they will. Our main entrance and exit will be off Midland Road.
Which roads will be used for site access?
Midland Road will be the main access point for the site. Ossulston Street will only be used as a secondary access and does not form part of our normal access arrangements.
Will local services such as water, gas and electricity continue to operate as normal?
Yes they will continue to operate as usual.
What measures are in place to communicate what is happening on site to local people?
Mace will distribute regular newsletters, works notices and post information on the www.blextension.co.uk website as well as on notice boards around the site. In addition, we will be appointing a community engagement manager who will respond to enquiries, keep people informed and coordinate with other local engagement managers such as the British Library and Francis Crick Institute. Their contact details will be uploaded on this website shortly.
Why is the Story Garden being closed?
To enable work to start, the temporary Story Garden has closed and moved to its new permanent home off York Way. However, a new community garden and other green spaces will be included as part of the extension.
How will you work with key neighbours such as the Francis Crick Institute (FCI) during the development?
We are working closely with neighbours in surrounding buildings to plan our work schedule and will liaise with them regularly to avoid inconvenience to them and other neighbours as the works progress. A Construction Working Group has been set up and includes representation from the FCI as well as local residents, Camden, the British Library and ward councillors.
Are you undertaking condition surveys of neighbouring properties before the works commence?
The reports we have received from our engineers to date indicate that there are not expected to be any settlement issues affecting neighbouring properties. However, as a matter of best practice, we have undertaken conditions surveys of neighbouring properties so there is a record of their present state.
What measures are you taking to ensure that local businesses benefit from the works?
We’re seeking to use businesses and suppliers local to Camden. We will be hosting ‘Meet the Buyer’ events to explain the services we are looking for and help businesses to be better prepared for working with us. We will also work with local businesses to help them make the best of the opportunities provided by the site and our workforce, such as providing catering and other relevant support services.
Will the temporary accommodation for those working on site overlook my home?
Until summer 2027, our temporary accommodation will be close to Midland Road. Accommodation will then be relocated to the Ossulston Street side of the site. While this will provide some screening from works on site for the immediately neighbouring properties, we will also ensure that local residents are not overlooked or disturbed by lighting or CCTV.
What other benefits does the development offer the local community?
The British Library extension will offer a wide range of benefits during its development including:
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- Local job and training opportunities with the project team and supply chain partners
- Employment training and work placements for local residents
- Engagement with local schools, colleges and universities to offer STEM activities and work experience placements for local students
- Supporting local charities and community groups with fundraising, in-kind support and pro-bono work
- A £23 million contribution to the delivery of new affordable homes in Somers Town