Library restoration scheme under way in city

The library will have its Grade II* listed facade restored

Work has begun to improve Wolverhampton’s Central Library and adult education facilities as part of a £61m City Learning Quarter development.

Midlands firm Speller Metcalfe has been tasked with completing the second phase of the scheme, backed by about £50m in government funds, City of Wolverhampton Council said.

The library is having its Grade II* listed facade restored, a new roof, remodelling, a new lobby and landscaping.

The adult education base, the Alan Garner Centre, will also have internal remodelling and a link building connecting it to the library's 1930s extension.

The work is taking place alongside the construction of a new facility for City of Wolverhampton College, by building firm McLaughlin & Harvey, which will move out of its Paget Road site, the council said.

Councillor Chris Burden said the new facilities would “improve the life chances for people of all ages through learning, apprenticeship and employment offers”.

Ninder Johal, chair of Wolverhampton’s City Investment Board, said: “This investment is hugely important to ensuring the city’s Central Library and Adult Education facilities are the best they can be.”

This summer, Speller Metcalfe completed phase one of the City Learning Quarter plan with a new £8.1m Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre at City of Wolverhampton College's Wellington Road campus in Bilston, which was funded by West Midlands Combined Authority and is now open.

The library and adult education centre will continue to operate throughout the works.