Next stage of Central Library improvements completed as part of City Learning Quarter scheme
The next stage of improvements to enhance public facilities at Wolverhampton’s Central Library has been completed as part of the £61million City Learning Quarter programme.
The ground floor Adult Lending Library has now reopened following extensive renovation works by contractor Speller Metcalfe to redecorate, lay new flooring, install new shelving and furniture, and create a new rear entrance lobby that will be brought into use later in the New Year.
It follows internal remodelling of the 1970s extension to the rear of the library, providing two new first floor offices, along with WCs, a kitchenette and ground floor space for book deliveries, sorting and collections.
Heritage restoration works to the exterior of the Grade II*-listed library are also nearing completion and landscaping is in the pipeline.
Further City Learning Quarter works being carried out include internal remodelling and refurbishment of Adult Education Wolverhampton’s Alan Garner Building on Old Hall Street, plus the construction of a two-storey glazed link building to connect it directly to Central Library’s 1930s extension.
The overall redevelopment will create a modernised, reconfigured and accessible, digitally enabled Central Library for the public and an expanded centralised Adult Education provision that meets post-16 learner and employer demands.
The improved Central Library and Adult Education Wolverhampton facilities will sit alongside the new state-of-the-art education campus for City of Wolverhampton College, which opened to students in November.
Central Library and Adult Education Wolverhampton are continuing to operate throughout the works.
City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, Councillor Chris Burden, said: “The improvement works to Central Library and our Adult Education facilities are integral to our City Learning Quarter vision alongside the new college campus that opened to students in November.
“Together they will provide state-of-the-art facilities in the city centre and improve life chances for people of all ages through learning, apprenticeship and employment offers.
“The restoration and development of the Grade II*-listed library and Adult Education building will enhance the offer for current users of these services and attract new users, providing an inspirational learning environment that is easy to reach by bus, rail, tram and bicycle.”
Ninder Johal, Chair of Wolverhampton’s City Investment Board, said: “This is another significant step forward in the City Learning Quarter scheme following the recent opening of the new college campus.
“This regeneration will ensure the city’s Central Library and Adult Education facilities are the best they can be to support the delivery of an outstanding education and skills offer and enhanced public facilities.”
Matthew Bailey, divisional director at Speller Metcalfe, added: “It’s great to see the adult lending library completed and successfully handed back to City of Wolverhampton Council. This marks an important milestone for phase two of the scheme, and we’re looking forward to completing the remaining works and helping bring the wider City Learning Quarter to life.”
The exciting City Learning Quarter proposals were initially supported by investment from the council with a further £49 million coming through UK Government funding, plus additional government grants and contributions from the college and council.
Its central location and close proximity to the new £150 million transport interchange make it easily accessible.