New library for Holborn

Located on Theobald’s Road within the Bloomsbury Conservation Area, the one-acre site is currently occupied by a public library and Cockpit Arts - an award winning social enterprise, which is the UK’s only creative business incubator for designer-makers.

U+I’s plans have been designed by the award-winning architectural practice, Coffey Architects, and will see the site completely redeveloped to provide brand new employment studio spaces, a fully remodelled library and local studies archive facility, and new public spaces so that this becomes a busy, creative hub for the community. The redevelopment will also deliver 105 new homes including new affordable units.

A public-private partnership (PPP) with the Camden Council, the redevelopment of the library and employment space will be provided at no cost to the public purse. The delivery of the public elements of the scheme will be funded by the sales of the private residential units. 

Councillor Theo Blackwell, Cabinet Member for Finance and Technology said: “This appointment will see the remodelling of this valuable mixed use space with a modern public library and archive and employment space at no cost to the taxpayer – additionally it will provide much needed affordable housing options for the community.”

U+I will start its community engagement programme regarding its plans for Cockpit Yard and Holborn Library in the next few months with the aim of submitting a planning application by the end of 2016.