£5m to go towards new British Library site in Holbeck

The grade I listed building in Holbeck, which has been out of use for decades, needs millions of pounds of urgent renovation work, and has been subject to numerous failed plans to bring it back.

But a report by Leeds City Council officers says the site might hopefully be up and running by 2028, and that it is confident enough to spend another £5m of taxpayer cash on the project.

Council papers warned, however, that the building is currently at such “considerable risk” that its future could be uncertain if the work was not progressed.

A report, set to go before Leeds city councillors next week, stated: “The British Library see this as a major opportunity to deliver increased public engagement across all services in the North.

“British Library’s proposition is still being developed, but it is envisaged that it will comprise a mixture of public space, research space, temporary exhibitions, permanent displays which explore both the Library’s collection and the history of the building, space for families and communities to spend time together, cultural events, space for business and entrepreneurs, and ancillary leisure.

“This would provide an offer for people of all ages and backgrounds.”

Following a submission by Leeds City Council, £25m of devolution money was secured to support the work of the council with the British Library “in a heritage building”.