Building a new British Library in Leeds
We're making a new home for the Library in the heart of Leeds. We want to build an open and welcoming hub where people and ideas flow freely; a place for progress and creativity, where anyone can connect with their heritage, with culture and with each other.
Through our plans to transform an historic Grade I listed building, we'll help lead the regeneration of Leeds South Bank and realise new possibilities for everyone in the north of England.
Find out about our plans, why we're doing this and how you can help.
Why we're doing this
Why we're doing this
After half a century helping people access the information they need from our archive in Boston Spa, we plan to deepen our roots in Yorkshire. Alongside our major expansion in St Pancras, we'll create a new, world-class site in Leeds which will open up our collection, expertise and services to millions more people living in the north of England.
By establishing a home at the centre of a thriving city that champions innovation, we can realise new possibilities: for local people to develop their skills and interests, for children and grown-ups alike to ignite their imaginations, for researchers to advance their work, and for business ideas to evolve. We're creating a modern national library that not only makes space for discovery but for collaboration. That's yours to explore, however you like.
The difference we'll make, for everyone
Culture seekers – we'll host major exhibitions and live events attracting big names and new voices from the fields of literature, history, music, politics and science. And we'll showcase some of the most significant items in our collection in a free, permanent gallery, alongside objects with personal connections to the region.
Researchers – we'll provide focused and flexible spaces for research, study and collaboration, with staff on hand to guide researchers using our collection. Whether it's to write their thesis, discover their family history or find answers to some of the biggest questions of our time.
Small businesses and start-ups – we'll build on the services we deliver through our Business & IP Centre in Leeds Central Library – which support hundreds of local entrepreneurs and enterprises every year. With dedicated spaces to network, access free advice and resources, and make and test innovative new products.
Local community – we'll expand our community programme of co-created events and displays, and grow local opportunities for jobs and skills development.
How we'll do this
How we'll do this
To realise our Knowledge Matters vision, we're working alongside public partners Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Homes England to explore the potential of Temple Works – a beautiful 19th-century flax-spinning mill in Holbeck. Together with partners and philanthropists, we hope to turn this into our home in the north of England.
As we develop our plans we're learning from local people, working in partnership and co-curating with our community to run events and programmes in Leeds and the wider region which:
- reveal fascinating stories from West Yorkshire and beyond through exhibitions with partner venues
- bring literature to life for the city's bustling festival and event goers
- empower communities to share their culture and knowledge, particularly young people in Beeston and Holbeck
- grow confidence and skills among primary and secondary English and History teachers and pupils.
We'll continue to work with people and partners in the region, testing, learning and adapting to develop a vibrant new venue for discovering our collection and our growing learning programme, events and exhibitions.
How can I support this project?
How can I support this project?
We're seeking the support of visionary philanthropists and partners to make this a reality. For more information about how you can help us transform our buildings and programmes please contact our Development team at supporters@bl.uk.
More information
When will this happen?
We already offer an expanding programme of events, exhibitions and activities in the city. Find out what's waiting for you.
Building a new site will take longer. Right now we're working with our partners to create a timeline for the project. We'll update this page when we have more information to share.
Get in touch
Got a great idea for what you want to see at our new venue? Or want to talk to us about our plans? Get in touch with us customer@bl.uk