Liverpool's Central Library is set to be transformed in time for the city's stint as European Capital of Culture. © Liverpool City Council.
Liverpool's Central Library is set to be transformed following the decision by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to back redevelopment plans with £31.5 million.
Whilst preserving the stunning 19th century building, development plans include a new entrance, an 18,000 square metre library and doubling the amount of public computers.
Sandwiched between The Walker Art Gallery and Liverpool Museum and opposite St George’s Hall, it is hoped the library will be ready to sit at the heart of the city’s cultural quarter in time for 2008 when it will be European Capital of Culture.
"We are set to open a new chapter in the Central Library story and I am absolutely delighted," said Cllr Warren Bradley, Executive Member for Leisure and Culture.
Photo: Richard Moss. © 24 Hour Museum.
"By 2008 we will have a 21st century library and archive with The Walker Art Gallery, new museum and refurbished St George’s Hall all within a stone’s throw of each other – and located within a World Heritage Site! No other city can offer as much culture on one street."
Rebuilding work is set to begin in 2006 and will be entirely paid for through a Public Finance Initiative (PFI). The DCMS had originally agreed to fund half of the project through PFI with the rest dependent upon a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
However, following the announcement that the full cost will be covered, the city council will now submit a revised bid to the HLF for funds to pay for the renovation of the circular Picton Reading Room at the front of the building.
A decision is expected in summer 2005, but in the meantime the focus will be on getting plans to redesign the main body of the building finished.
An impression of how the remodelled Central Library might look inside. © Liverpool City Council.
As well as a new children’s library and a visitor centre with a café, access will be improved to the library’s seven miles of archives and 10,000 more books will be brought in.
Rebuilding work at the rear of the building will see the 1960s extension, built following bomb damage in WWII, demolished and a space more in keeping with the 19th century architecture created.
The library’s collection of art will go on display as will its collection of rare books and documents, which includes four volumes of John James Audubon’s Birds of North America and a copy of the 1207 charter granting Liverpool city status.
Provision of computers for public use will double to 250 and a new entrance on William Brown Street will give the institution a greater presence.
Next door to The Walker and Liverpool Museum, the Central Library is at the heart of the city's cultual quarter. Courtesy National Museums Liverpool.
More in-depth plans will now be drawn up and an architect will be appointed with the intention of starting work towards the end of 2006.
The library already attracts 600,000 people each year, but Liverpool City Council is hoping that following the redesign that number will increase to over a million.
Welcoming the DCMS announcement Joyce Little, Head of Libraries and Information Services, said: "This news means we will have a Central Library fit for the 21st century."
"It will not only be a major resource for the city, but will also help attract tourists from around the world."
