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Plans for a £500m expansion of the British Library have been given the green light by Camden Council’s planning committee.
The 100,000 square feet of new space will include new exhibition galleries, a new learning centre and additional event spaces, with new entrances on Ossulston Street and Midland Road.
Moreover, the British Library and its development partners Stanhope Plc and Mitsui Fudosan UK Ltd (SMBL), with which the application was submitted, say that at the heart of the extension will be a new foyer to host events with local communities and businesses.
It is also hoped the extension will enable the library to welcome more learners of all ages with new programmes and facilities; increase the range of services for people starting or growing small businesses, including, for the first time, dedicated maker spaces; offer more opportunities for skills and career development; and new jobs, particularly for people living locally and for Camden’s young people.
There will also be new outdoor green courtyards and walkaways, as well as a dedicated community garden.
Roly Keating, chief executive of the British Library, who received a Knighthood in the New Year Honours, said: “We are thrilled that our plans to extend our site at St Pancras have been approved by Camden Council’s planning committee. The proposals will enable us to provide a brand new public space for London that’s connected to our local community and open to the world.
“This long-planned extension will make it possible for even more people to access and enjoy the library, with a host of flexible new spaces including a new bespoke learning centre and spectacular new exhibition galleries. Working with our partners, we look forward to collaborating with our neighbours in Camden and beyond as we develop our site for everyone.”