“We’re really thinking way into the future about making this an asset that the city can treasure for many years to come”

Plans to transform Sheffield city centre’s main library are set to cost more than previous estimates as the council leader sets out plans to turn the historic landmark into an “an asset that the city can treasure for many years to come”.

Sheffield Central Library has been blighted by structural issues for a number of years now, with scaffolding and hoardings surrounding the Grade II* listed building over concerns of falling masonry.

In 2023, when problems were initially identified at the Surrey Street site, it was suggested that it would cost £30 million to fix the building.

Sheffield City Council leader Fran Belbin (middle) is hoping to transform the central library so that people can "access the fantastic art that we have in the city." The council is working with Sheffield Museums chief executive Kim Streets (right) and director of programmes Kirstie Hamilton (left) to bring the project to life | Iconic Media

placeholder image — Sheffield City Council leader Fran Belbin (middle) is hoping to transform the central library so that people can "access the fantastic art that we have in the city." The council is working with Sheffield Museums chief executive Kim Streets (right) and director of programmes Kirstie Hamilton (left) to bring the project to life | Iconic Media

However, as the council sets out its intention to completely refurbish the building - which also houses Graves Gallery and the City Archives - it is expected that the costs could rise beyond that initial estimate.

“There’s a range of estimates, because there’s a range of options,” council leader Fran Belbin said.

“What I would say is we are not talking about just fixing it up, so actually the £30 million estimate is very much on the low side - that is just about fixing some of the immediate problems with it.

“But really we’re not looking at that now, we’re looking at transforming the building and what the future will be for the whole building - for the collection and for the library - and making sure that we’re really thinking way into the future about making this an asset that the city can treasure for many years to come.”

It is hoped the redevelopment will help make the building more accessible, while unlocking new opportunities to develop learning and culture opportunities.

Specific plans for the future of the building, which opened in 1934, have not yet been revealed, with council's Strategy and Resources Committee set to discuss feasibility reports in the coming months.

Protections over a Sheffield Central Library entrance on Arundel Gate | Iconic Media

Coun Belbin said there are many opportunities to improve the iconic site and make it fit for the 21st century.

There had been previous discussions of the site being sold off for different uses, including a hotel, however the council leader said that is “off the table” and it will remain a public building.

Scaffolding and hoardings have covered Sheffield Central Library since 2023 due to structural concerns about falling masonry | Iconic Media

She went on to say: “We've got a number of options that will have to be decided between but it's really about transforming this space and making sure that we've got the best possible space for some of the fantastic assets that we've got in Sheffield.

“We've got an amazing art collection, it's one of the best regional art collections in the country, and we want to make sure that that is displayed in the best possible way.

“There's really lots of opportunities around this building and there's challenges with the building at the moment.

“You'll have noticed coming in we've got scaffolding up, we've got step access - it's not the most accessible building - so this is a real opportunity to really transform it and make sure that the people of Sheffield can access the fantastic art that we have in the city.”

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Issues with the heating systems on the top floor are causing issues with the Graves Gallery collection, with the displays set to close by October 31 before being moved to a new temporary location in 2027.

It is expected the temporary site will be in the Heart of the City development, near to Pinstone Street, with only part of the collection set to be displayed while the rest will be put into storage.

Other library services will continue as normal for the time being, with any potential further disruptions to be announced as plans progress.

Graves Gallery, located in Sheffield Central Library, is closing on October 31 due to issues with the building's heating systems. Some of the gallery collection is set to be put in storage, while the rest will be displayed at a temporary site in 2027 | Iconic Media

Coun Belbin said the council is now looking at funding options before final plans are approved, adding: “It will be a combination of different funding sources.

“We may look to borrow for some of it, but we'll also look at some of the big funders who will contribute to this and we'll also look towards philanthropy.

“Obviously the building itself is a JG Graves building. It was originally gifted to the city as an act of philanthropy and there are many people in the city who really love and care for the heritage here.

“So we'll be looking at a combination of funding sources to bring the project together.”