Having first opened in 1934, this much-loved building has been used and enjoyed by generations of people. But after years of use, the building is in need of major repair works to prevent further deterioration, improve accessibility and to regenerate the building for the future.
A programme of work is underway to assess the physical condition of the building and consider what opportunities there are for the building in the future.
The Central Library currently delivers a range a services, including the city’s central lending library, the children’s library, local studies library, home library service and is the home of the Library Theatre. Based on the third floor of the building, the Graves Gallery is home to the city’s visual art collection, displaying historic and contemporary artworks by national and international artists alongside the region’s own creative talents.
Sheffield City Council, in partnership with Sheffield Museums, have brought in experts to develop a long-term strategy for the building’s use. They will explore what is needed to create modern, accessible spaces for libraries, galleries, and archives – improving how people learn, explore, and enjoy culture.
Experts will look at how the building can best meet the changing needs of local people going forward, including families, young people, older residents, and underrepresented groups as well as visitors to the city.
We know that this is a much-loved local asset, and we are determined to keep it as a public building with cultural and community uses at its heart.
It’s clear that the building needs to be brought back into good working condition and major repair works are necessary, but this project goes far beyond establishing the required building improvement works.
We want to ensure that Sheffield has public services that are modern, accessible, and serve all of our diverse communities, now, and for generations to come. To do that, we need to understand what a state-of-the-art service looks like, and what spaces and facilities are needed to deliver this.
Councillor Mohammed Mahroof, Chair of the Economic Development, Skills and Culture Committee at Sheffield City Council
We are delighted to be working with the Council to explore the future of this beautiful building and the services it is home to.
Our hope is that this piece of work is the catalyst for major redevelopment, ensuring that by 2034, when the building celebrates its centenary, Sheffield has an internationally significant cultural destination it can be proud of.Kim Streets, Chief Executive at Sheffield Museums
The first phase of work is now underway and is being delivered by Counterculture LLP, in partnership with architects Carmody Groarke and structural conservation specialists ARUP.
The team are exploring what facilities are needed to serve Sheffield’s growing and diverse population and are aiming to define a 21st-century cultural offer that reflects the city’s heritage and future needs.
As part of their review, they will be looking at best practice from similar projects across the UK and beyond. They will also assess how the changing digital world impacts what spaces people need and explore the best options to keep the Central Library, Archives, and Graves Gallery financially and environmentally sustainable.
Panel sessions will also be set up with different demographic groups who regularly use the building, as well as sessions with individuals and groups who don’t currently use services, to help develop the vision for the future of the services.
Following the initial review phase, a number of options will put forward and Council representatives will be asked to identify a list of viable options that they believe will best suit the city and its needs.
At this stage, there will be a full public consultation with opportunities for residents to look at the final options, and share their views through online surveys, meetings, and collaborative workshops.