'Irreplaceable’ Leeds Library puts forward expansion plans

The historic and much-loved library, on Commercial Street in the city centre, revealed earlier this year it had bought the premises next door, which was formerly occupied by camping and outdoors shop Trespass until 2020.

The library wants to expand sideways into the upper storeys of the property as part of a £1.2m scheme, though the ground floor of the unit could still be let out to a retailer.

If approved, the proposals will allow better access to the library for elderly and disabled people, as well as providing space to unite all 140,000 of its books under one roof for the first time.

There would also be more room for community events, workshops and activities.

In a statement submitted alongside the plans, the library said: “The public benefits of these proposals are obvious – they not only enable the library to continue its mission and sensitive expansion, such as it has done for the last 250 years, but it also enables the better custodianship of its collections and makes possible, for the first time, appropriate and dignified access into the Library for older or less able people.

They added: “The proposals at 15 Commercial Street also not only vastly improve a rather ugly building within the city centre conservation area, but they also allow the library to continue offering members and non-membersalike a unique experience within the city that is irreplaceable.

“The change of a redundant shop unit to one that is managed by the library will mean that the properties will be well maintained and function well, giving life to the city.”

The library is the oldest surviving private subscription library in the UK.

Founded in 1768, it’s been in its current Grade II listed home since 1808.

Funding for the scheme has come from the Architectural Heritage Fund and the Ecology Building Society.

Concluding its statement, the venue’s bosses added: “This is a very exciting time for the Library and for the city centre of Leeds and we advance the case that this proposal should be fully supported.”