A DAY ON SITE - MIDDLESBROUGH CENTRAL LIBRARY

Middlesbrough’s Grade II Listed Central Library is an imposing, classical Carnegie Library, built between 1909-12 with money donated by Scottish-American businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Its significance lies in its architecture, its reference library, in its prominent location and in retaining its original, public use for the people of Middlesbrough. For more than 110 years, Central Library has welcomed readers of all ages, and now we're supporting the Council in bringing it into the 21st century with funding from the Cultural Development Fund by Arts Council England.

We’ve designed a range of changes to the building that will make significant improvements whilst protecting the historic building. We've redesigned the main ground floor library area into a children's and family library with a separate adult lending area. This will create a welcoming space for families and young people, helping to promote a lifelong love of reading. The new Discovery Space will also give the library a fantastic area to host events and activities. A lift will improve accessibility to all floors, and new toilets and baby change facilities will help meet the needs of users.

Since last July we’ve been on site at the Library working with the Contractor to progress the works. We’ve recently seen the scaffolding on the lift tower removed and the new cladding is currently being installed. Internally fit out is progressing with bespoke play structures, shelving and displays being formed. It’s an exciting point in time as the designs really come to life.  Due for completion in the next couple of months, we look forward to sharing the finished scheme.