Exclusive:Historic Central Library could switch places with Millennium Gallery in "ambitious" £180m plans
“Sheffield has a fantastic cultural and civic heritage, and we want to be ambitious about its future”
New plans could see Sheffield’s Central Library turned into a “nationally significant” art gallery while the Millennium Gallery could house the city’s library services.
The proposals would see existing library services in the grade II-listed building on Surrey Street moved just across the road to the Millennium Gallery, while that gallery’s art work will be combined with the Graves Gallery collection under one roof.
Sheffield City Council’s Strategy and Resources Policy Committee are set to discuss the plans at a meeting next Wednesday, November 11, however Sheffield Museums - who run both Millennium Gallery and the Graves Gallery - have voiced their support.
If it is approved, the plans would see a new library entrance created on Tudor Square, restoration of the existing building, and the addition of a rooftop sculpture garden.
A feasibility report set to be reviewed by councillors next week say the plans will “restore and transform this iconic city-centre heritage building into a flagship arts destination for Sheffield, South Yorkshire and the UK.”
Councillor Fran Belbin, leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield has a fantastic cultural and civic heritage, and we want to be ambitious about its future. These are buildings and services that generations of Sheffield residents know and love, so it is important that we get their future right.
“The feasibility work has given us the clearest picture yet of what is possible. It has looked carefully at a range of options and identified a preferred way forward that could secure the future of the historic Surrey Street building, create an outstanding home for the Graves Gallery and give our Central Library and City Archives the modern, accessible home they deserve.
“We value this historic building and remain committed to looking after it. Taking the time to get its long-term future right must not mean allowing it to fall into neglect. The proposals will now go before councillors, and if they agree they should be developed further, we will continue to work with residents, users and partners as the plans take shape.
“This is also part of a bigger ambition for Sheffield. From our town hall, the Crucible Theatre and to other cultural buildings, we want to protect and celebrate the heritage that makes our city distinctive, while making sure these treasured buildings work for people today and for generations to come.”
For three years now, Sheffield Central Library has been surrounded in hoardings as the 92-year-old building suffers a number of structural issues.
Recent problems with the heating systems forced Graves Gallery - which is located on the building’s third floor - to temporarily close on October 31, with it expected to reopen in an interim location next year while repairs take place.
Councillors now are being asked to approve a £100,000 budget to undertake the next stage of developments for the library building, with council documents suggesting that further funding could be sourced from the Arts Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
It is expected that fully completing the transformation of the building would cost between £125 - £135 million, while changes to the Millennium Gallery to make it fit for the city’s library services is estimated to cost between £40 - £45 million.
Sheffield Museums have supported the transformation project, adding in a statement to the council: “This bold, ambitious option offers the strongest future for this landmark building; reimagining and expanding the Graves Gallery and transforming it into a nationally significant destination for visual art on our doorstep, and a magnet for visitors.
“This cultural flagship at Sheffield’s heart will boost city-centre vibrancy, propel economic growth, and help nurture and retain talent. Through creativity and powerful shared experiences, it will bring people together, support health and wellbeing, and help our young people to grow their understanding as well as develop valuable skills.”