British Library poised for major £1.1bn makeover, including a grand new foyer - here's all the details

A major £1.1 billion extension of the British Library is set to begin in 2026, with plans to transform the iconic site over the following years.

The development, which received approval from Camden Council in July 2024, is expected to be completed by 2032.

The project will add around 100,000 square feet of additional space in the library. The features will include a full-height foyer, extra public entrances, and a dedicated commercial area.

The extension will be built on the land to the north of the existing building, which the library already owns.

According to the British Library, the upgrade will deliver modern, state-of-the-art spaces to expand access and improve the visitor experience.

The investment is being made in partnership with SMBL, a company fully owned by Japanese developer Mitsui Fudusan, which, together with the British Library, confirmed in March that £1.1 billion would be committed to the project.

Culture, Science and Technology Minister Sir Chris Bryant described the extension as an ambitious transformation and said it would help showcase the nation's history and cultural heritage.

The British Library chief executive, Rebecca Lawrence, said the redevelopment would open up the site in new ways and provide cutting-edge facilities for future generations to enjoy the British Library.

The British Library holds over 170 million items, including copies of every book published in the UK and Ireland, manuscripts, and rare religious texts.

Famous finds in the British Library include the first edition of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll and a handwritten draft of "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë.

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