The first stage of improvements to enhance public facilities at Wolverhampton’s Central Library has been completed as part of the £61million City Learning Quarter programme.
The 1970s extension to the rear of the library has been internally remodelled, providing two new first floor offices, along with WCs, a kitchenette and ground floor space for book deliveries, sorting and collections.
This paves the way for further works to be undertaken by contractor Speller Metcalfe, with Adult Education Wolverhampton’s Alan Garner Building on Old Hall Street set to undergo internal remodelling and refurbishment, plus the construction of a two-storey glazed link building to connect it directly to Central Library’s 1930s extension.
Ongoing works on the restoration of the building façade and roof of the Grade II*-listed library started in November, with a new rear entrance lobby and landscaping also in the pipeline.
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 will sit alongside a new state-of-the-art education facility for City of Wolverhampton College currently being constructed by McLaughlin & Harvey on the site of the college’s former Metro One campus and land on the corner of Garrick Street and Bilston Street, where the Faces nightclub building once stood.
Central Library and Adult Education Wolverhampton are continuing to operate throughout the works, which are expected to be completed during the winter.
The council’s Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, Councillor Chris Burden, said: “The improvement works to Central Library and our Adult Education facilities are integral to our City Learning Quarter vision alongside the new college campus being developed.
“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 Grade II*-listed 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.”
Ninder Johal, Chair of Wolverhampton’s City Investment Board, said: “Excellent progress is being made in delivering Wolverhampton City Learning Quarter.
“This regeneration will ensure the city’s Central Library and Adult Education facilities are the best they can be to support the delivery of an outstanding education and skills offer and enhanced public facilities.”
The exciting City Learning Quarter proposals were initially supported by investment from the council with a further £49 million coming through UK Government funding, plus additional government grants and contributions from the college and council.
It will pave the way for City of Wolverhampton College to move from its 1960s Paget Road site, which has been identified as land to build much-needed housing.
The college forecasts that over a 10-year period approximately 45,000 people will benefit from learning at the City Learning Quarter and around 7,500 apprenticeships will be started.
Its central location and close proximity to the new £150 million transport interchange will make it easily accessible. It will also boast environmental benefits in line with council’s climate emergency agenda.
