Wolverhampton Central Library’s historic façade has been restored to its former glory as part of the council’s City Learning Quarter programme.
The scaffolding has now been removed from the Grade II* listed building with the exterior heritage restoration works completed by main contractor Speller Metcalfe alongside specialist heritage contractor, Midland Conservation Ltd.
As well as essential works to preserve the historical elements of the façade, the roof has been replaced, leadwork renewed, and the main spire and matching copper domes have been replaced in a like for like copper.
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 internal remodelling of the 1970s extension to the rear of the library, providing 2 new first floor offices, along with WCs, a kitchenette and ground floor space for book deliveries, sorting and collections.
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 2 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 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 have continued to operate throughout the works.
The council’s Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, Councillor Chris Burden, said: “As part of our City Learning Quarter programme, we made it a priority to address the Grade II* listed Central Library’s historic façade.
“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 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.”
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 façade. 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.
Its central location and close proximity to the new £150 million transport interchange make it easily accessible.