British Library set for £1billion extension

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Transcript

00:00A major £1.1 billion extension of the British Library is set to begin in 2026, with plans

00:11to transform the iconic site over the following years.

00:14The development, which received approval from Camden Council in July 2024, is expected to

00:19be completed by 2032.

00:22The project will add around 100,000 square feet of additional space in the library.

00:28The features will include a full-height foyer, extra public entrances and a dedicated commercial

00:34area.

00:35The extension will be built on the land of the north of the existing building, which is already

00:40owned by the library.

00:42According to the British Library, the upgrade will deliver modern, state-of-the-art spaces

00:47aimed at expanding access and improving the visitor experience.

00:52The investment is being made in partnership with SMBL, a company fully owned by Japanese

00:59developer Mitsui Fudusan, which together with the British Library confirmed in March that

01:04£1.1 billion would be committed to the project.

01:09Culture, Science and Technology Minister Sir Chris Bryant described the extension as an

01:14ambitious transformation and said it would help showcase the nation's history and cultural

01:19heritage.

01:22The British Library chief executive Rebecca Lawrence said the redevelopment would open

01:27up the site in new ways and provide cutting-edge facilities for future generations to enjoy

01:33the British Library.

01:35That's it on the extension, stay here on London TV for more news from across the capital.