Planning permission for a new Explore Library Learning Centre at Clifton has been granted to bring extended and improved library services closer to the heart of the community.
A major construction project will transform the new site, originally the Clifton Without Junior School, into a new Explore Library Learning Centre.
As well as a modern, contemporary library and reading café for the community, the new Explore Centre will also see a number of community partners based in the building including The Snappy Trust, Accessible Arts and Media and York Learning.
These co-location partners were selected based on their ability to add value to the local community, and to work in partnership with Explore to enhance the provision of services locally. For example, much-loved local children’s charity Snappy will offer play, recreation and vocational activities to children and young people aged 5-25 with wide ranging disabilities.
The £5.3 million council-funded development will retain some key architectural elements of the old school building, whilst breathing new life into the site. The project will also include sustainable elements within the design, such as heat recovery systems and solar panels, securing a more environmentally friendly future for the building.
The council, in partnership with Explore York Libraries and Archives, submitted the planning application to the Planning Authority earlier this year.
Some of the planned improvements include:
- access to over 15,000 books
- a fully accessible library with comfortable seating, space for quiet study, and separate spaces for children and young people
- a reading café
- free wifi throughout the building including wifi printing
- free use of PCs
- a number of high-quality meeting rooms, fitted out with the latest technology for use by community groups
- flexible shelving and furniture in the main library area with the ability to transform into a performance space, with a capacity of no less than 150 people
- access for cycle users and car parking, including designated accessible parking spaces and spaces to park disabled buggies and pushchairs
- a range of environmentally friendly features, including outdoor spaces to sit or play, solar panels and electric charging bays within the car park
The new Clifton Explore Centre will offer opportunities for the local community to take part in a wide range of cultural and learning events and activities.
The new facility will neighbour the Vale of York Academy, which as a local partner has provided input and support throughout the community consultation and planning process.
Councillor Darryl Smalley, executive member for culture, leisure and communities, City of York Council, said: “Securing planning approval is a huge step forward in the improvement of library services, with Clifton, Clifton Without, Rawcliffe and indeed the whole city set to benefit from this investment.
“We are committed to investing in our libraries, promoting learning, culture and creativity within community spaces, and this new library offers the opportunity to build on our progress so far. It’s been particularly heart-warming to see local residents and community partners engaging with the planning process and offering their input and ideas into the development.
“These new facilities will provide local residents with a modern and welcoming space for learning, relaxing and socialising, that will be accessible to all for many years to come – I expect Clifton to be a destination library, a place everyone in York will be proud of.”
Sarah Garbacz, chief operating officer of Explore, said: “This is brilliant news for the future of the library and archive service in Clifton.
“Working with the community of Clifton and with our community partners, we look forward to being able to do so much more of what we are good at – providing safe, accessible spaces that welcome everyone in.
“Local people have already told us what they want from their library and archives service, how this building can deliver that and that has informed some of our decisions so far. We now look forward to being able to carry on those conversations as we work on the next stages of the design.”
Anne Stamp, service manager of The Snappy Trust, said: “We are very pleased to be a part of such an exciting and innovative new development, focused around providing and combining multiple community, learning and resource facilities in one easily accessible centre.
“The planned initiative promises to provide a wonderful hub for many different activities and enterprises and is sure to generate a host of new and exciting opportunities for the local community and all those organisations involved.
“This project will enable Snappy to offer more respite for parents and carers, ease on children’s services and a fun, engaging and educational space for our children and young people to enjoy.”
The Clifton Library Learning Centre development will now enter the procurement stage with the goal of selecting a contractor by Winter 2022.
