Bradford’s Central Library to Relocate, Anticipating £420,000 Annual Rent Savings

Bradford’s primary library is set to relocate to a new site within the city’s recently pedestrianised zone. The central library’s move to the ground floor of Britannia House, situated between Broadway and Hall Ings, is scheduled for early 2026, coinciding with the closure of its present premises in City Park. Bradford Council indicated that this relocation to a property owned by the council is projected to save approximately £1 million and enhance the library’s accessibility. The council currently incurs an annual rent of about £420,000 for its space within the City Park building, which also houses establishments like Wetherspoons, Starbucks, and Nando’s. The substantial ground-floor area within the historic Britannia House building is presently occupied by the council’s customer services team, which, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, will transfer to City Hall. The vicinity surrounding this location has recently undergone pedestrianisation, with the addition of new planting and seating zones. Britannia House itself was constructed in 1932 to serve as council offices. A spokesperson for the council stated: “The library will be much more visible through an increased pedestrian-level presence, with large windows giving great views over City Hall and St George’s Hall, Norfolk Gardens, and creating new pedestrian access via Broadway and Hall Ings.” They added that “These proposed changes are part of an overall review of the council’s city centre estate and will save around £1m.” The spokesperson further noted that “The aim is to prepare the space next year and City Library will be relocated once ready, which is expected to be in early 2026.” The council also mentioned that it is evaluating options for the future of both the Local Studies section and West Yorkshire Archives, specifying that “this is still at an early stage and no decisions have been made on this yet.” Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s executive member for healthy people and places, commented: “This move will allow us to create a vibrant library space in the heart of the city centre that I know residents will use and enjoy.” She continued, “We are always looking at ways to sustain and improve the services that we offer to residents, and we know they will enjoy using the new City Library whilst at the same time it allows us to make savings now and in the future.” Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, stated: “This new library will be in the heart of our new pedestrianised city centre space in a great heritage building in Britannia House, with a newly expanded Norfolk Gardens green space right on the doorstep and City Park still nearby.” He added that “With St George’s Hall next door and City Hall opposite it will form a great ‘Civic Quarter’ for the city centre.”