Wolverhampton library's historic facade restored to its former glory as part of £61 million learning quarter
One of Wolverhampton's most familiar buildings has seen its historic frontage restored as part of a £61 million regeneration scheme.
The scaffolding has now been removed from Wolverhampton central library’s historic facade, which has been restored to its former glory as part of the council’s city learning quarter programme.
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As well as essential works to preserve the historical elements of the façade, the roof of the Grade II* listed building on the corner of Garrick Street and St George's Parade has been replaced, leadwork renewed, and the main spire and matching copper domes have been replaced in a like-for-like copper.
The exterior heritage restoration works completed by main contractor Speller Metcalfe alongside specialist heritage contractor, Midland Conservation Ltd.
It follows the ground floor adult lending library reopening in January after extensive renovation works to redecorate, lay new flooring, install new shelving and furniture, and create a new rear entrance lobby, plus an internal redesign of the 1970s extension to the rear of the library, providing two new first-floor offices, toilets, a kitchenette and ground-floor space for book deliveries, sorting and collections.
Further city-learning quarter works being carried out include an internal refurbishment of the Alan Garner educational building in Old Hall Street, plus the construction of a two-storey glazed link building to connecting it directly to the library’s 1930s extension.
The building is next to the new education campus for City of Wolverhampton College, which opened to students in November last year.
The council’s cabinet member for development, jobs and skills, Councillor Chris Burden, said: “It is an important architectural landmark at the heart of our city, and it is great to see it so sensitively restored and preserved for the future.
“Overall, 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 library and adult dducation 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.”
Matthew Bailey, divisional director at Speller Metcalfe, added: “We’re delighted to have completed the heritage works at central library, which include the restoration of its historic facade.
"Working closely with the council, we’ve preserved this iconic building for the community to enjoy, and we look forward to completing the following stages of the programme in the coming months.”
The £61million City Learning Quarter proposals were initially supported by investment from the council with a further £49million coming through UK Government funding, plus additional government grants and contributions from the college and council.
