Wolverhampton Central Library
Client: City of Wolverhampton Council
Project: Heritage consultancy for restoration and improvement works
Location: Wolverhampton
Status: Completion due Winter 2025
Preserving and enhancing Wolverhampton’s landmark Grade II* public library.
Wolverhampton Central Library, constructed between 1900 and 1902 to the designs of Henry Thomas Hare, is one of the city’s most significant civic buildings. Designed in the ‘free Jacobean’ style, it was the result of a limited competition judged by Alfred Waterhouse. The building is characterised by its fine brick and terracotta façades, decorative modelling by William Aumonier, steeply pitched tiled roofs, copper domes, and a tall fleche adorning the main entrance. Internally, the library contains stained glass, intricate plasterwork, a dramatic staircase to the first-floor reading rooms, and high-quality ironmongery.
The library has been altered over the years with the addition of a two-storey 1936 extension, a single-storey 1960s block to the rear, and a modern glass lift within the courtyard.
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Part of the City Learning Quarter programme
Oliver Architecture is providing heritage consultancy as part of the £61 million City Learning Quarter redevelopment, which will deliver a modernised, accessible and digitally enabled library alongside expanded Adult Education facilities.
The first stage of works has focused on internal remodelling of the 1970s rear extension, providing new first floor offices, WCs, a kitchenette, and improved space for deliveries, sorting and collections. These improvements pave the way for further phases, including:
A new chapter for the city’s educational hub
The redevelopment is happening in parallel with the creation of a new teaching facility for City of Wolverhampton College. The works will improve access, enhance sustainability in line with the council’s climate emergency agenda, and provide a high-quality environment for current and future users.
The library and Adult Education Wolverhampton remain open throughout the works, with completion due in winter 2025. The project is forecast to benefit tens of thousands of learners and apprentices over the next decade, securing the building’s role as an inspirational civic asset.
Oliver Architecture is providing heritage consultancy as part of the £61 million City Learning Quarter redevelopment, which will deliver a modernised, accessible and digitally enabled library alongside expanded Adult Education facilities.
The first stage of works has focused on internal remodelling of the 1970s rear extension, providing new first floor offices, WCs, a kitchenette, and improved space for deliveries, sorting and collections. These improvements pave the way for further phases, including:
- Restoration of the library’s façades and roof
- Creation of a new rear entrance lobby and landscaping
- Internal remodelling of the Alan Garner Building
- Construction of a two-storey glazed link between the 1930s extension and the Alan Garner Building
A new chapter for the city’s educational hub
The redevelopment is happening in parallel with the creation of a new teaching facility for City of Wolverhampton College. The works will improve access, enhance sustainability in line with the council’s climate emergency agenda, and provide a high-quality environment for current and future users.
The library and Adult Education Wolverhampton remain open throughout the works, with completion due in winter 2025. The project is forecast to benefit tens of thousands of learners and apprentices over the next decade, securing the building’s role as an inspirational civic asset.