The Leeds Library’s expansion and redevelopment
The Leeds Library – the oldest subscription library in the UK – is embarking on the ‘Next Chapter’ in its 256-year history, made possible through an Ecology mortgage.
The Next Chapter project, supported by an Ecology Lending for Community Gain mortgage, is an exciting expansion into the adjacent 19th century building on Commercial Street in Leeds City Centre.
The project will make the library fully accessible for the first time – welcoming more members and visitors from across the city and region.
“Our reputation goes back 256 years, so it was important for us to find somebody who cares about heritage, about charity, and the sorts of things we do. Ecology is a very caring organisation that, like us, looks after its members.”
Nina Corey, Chief Executive Officer of The Leeds Library.
Nestled above retail units on the busy shopping street, The Leeds Library is known as one of the city’s best kept secrets. To protect the building’s Grade II* listed Georgian heritage, it has not been possible to install a lift in the historic building, limiting access until now.
Ian Harker, Communications Officer at The Leeds Library, explained: “Thanks to Ecology, we will be fully accessible for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility – opening the library up to everybody.
“Through the extension, we want to reach more people who didn’t know about The Leeds Library, and to help them fall in love with libraries. We want more people to come and see what we’ve got to offer.”
The project also allows the charity to venture into new activities, with plans for a programme of lectures, music, open mic and live theatre. It provides options for new income streams from room hire to bespoke events and wedding receptions, helping to secure the charity’s financial future.
The new facilities will even mean the library can accommodate schools and community groups, making enhanced learning and engagement activities possible.
Energy efficient for the future
The project future proofs the entire building’s energy efficiency.
“We have gone for the most energy efficient options possible for the radiators and ventilation systems. We’ve used sustainable materials where possible, including recycled carpet and acoustic batting.”
Nina Corey, Chief Executive Officer of The Leeds Library.
The ceiling insulation in the existing building will also be improved, and window frames repaired to reduce heat loss.
Number 15 redevelopment
Spanning five floors, Number 15 is complete redevelopment of the former retail space. It changes the layout, restores the Georgian façade and original features.
Described by trustees as a once in a generation opportunity, the project connects the two buildings and increases the available space by around a third.
The basement in the new building will offer much needed storage for the library’s 140,000-strong collection. A new on-street entrance and accessible lift will sit alongside the ground floor’s retail unit, which is rented out.
The first and second floors will house library collections, event and meeting spaces, and new kitchen facilities. While a new roof garden and staff offices occupy the top floor.
The Leeds Library is one of only two subscription libraries in the county that still acquires a significant number of books for its members. The new building will unite the growing collection under one roof, while offering more space for members to connect, work, read and relax.
As one member put it, “The Leeds Library is both a unique time capsule from the past, and a modern resource that demonstrates the many ways a library can bring people together and foster a healthy community.”
We can’t wait to visit.
Want to learn more about Ecology’s mortgages for community gain?
Ecology provides mortgages for charities, voluntary organisations and community groups that support the environment or benefit local communities.
This can include conservation of local heritage and the built environment, and services that strengthen local economies and communities, and much more.
