Alongside the new state-of-the-art college campus, that opened to students in November, the new library and adult education facilities - developed by contractor Speller Metcalfe - combine to form a £61million city centre quarter for educational provision that will enhance skills and employment outcomes for residents.
Adult Education Wolverhampton’s Alan Garner building on Old Hall Street has seen internal remodelling and refurbishment, creating more flexible classroom space and a new teaching kitchen, plus the construction of a two-storey glazed link building to connect it directly to Central Library’s 1930s extension.
The Grade II*-listed library building has undergone extensive heritage restoration 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.
The interior of the library has also been renovated, and seen the installation of new flooring, shelving and furniture, the construction of a new rear entrance lobby; plus internal remodelling of the 1970s extension to the rear of the library, providing two new first floor offices, along with WCs, a kitchenette and ground floor space for book deliveries, sorting and collections.
The overall redevelopment has created 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.
Future public realm works are also planned to connect the rear of the new library and adult education facilities with the near-by future development at St George’s.
Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, said: “The completion of improvement works to Central Library and our Adult Education facilities are the final piece of the jigsaw in our magnificent City Learning Quarter.
“It enhances the offer for current users of these services and will attract new users, providing an inspirational learning environment that is easy to reach by bus, rail, tram and bicycle.
“The improved library and adult education building, alongside the new college campus, that opened to students in November, provide state-of-the-art facilities in the city centre that will improve life chances for people of all ages through learning, apprenticeship and employment offers.”
Warinder Juss MP, Wolverhampton West, said: “The completion of the City Learning Quarter is a fantastic milestone for Wolverhampton.
“This investment in our college, library and adult education facilities will open new opportunities for people of all ages to learn new skills, access better jobs, and fulfil their potential. It is a major vote of confidence in our city's future.”
Matthew Bailey, Divisional Director at Speller Metcalfe, added: “It's fantastic to have completed the final phase of the City Learning Quarter project for City of Wolverhampton Council.
“Having delivered the project across several phases, we've enjoyed working on each stage to help transform and re-energise this part of the city. It's rewarding to see these new facilities now ready to support students, staff and the wider community for years to come.”
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.
Phase one of the City Learning Quarter masterplan – a new £8.1 million Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre at the college’s Wellington Road campus – opened to students in September 2024.
