The British Library

The British Library is one of the UK’s most significant cultural institutions. 

Located in a busy urban setting beside King’s Cross St Pancras, the building will undergo an extension, and Keltbray is proud to support its development. The scale and complexity of the works are heightened by the multi-phase programme and the historic importance of the existing building. 

As part of the project, the British Library and Mitsui Fudosan UK will deliver a new scheme on land to the north of the existing library, providing an additional 100,000 square feet of space, including new galleries, learning facilities and business spaces. It also includes 600,000 square feet of commercial space for organisations looking to establish a base in London’s Knowledge Quarter. 

The scale and complexity of the works are heightened by the multi-phase programme and the historic importance of the building. In this first phase, Keltbray is delivering a comprehensive package of enabling works. These works include pile probing for the secant wall, site clearance, service diversions, and temporary drainage. 

Due to its location, the development requires careful planning to minimise disruption while maintaining the Library’s day-to-day operations. This includes preserving safe emergency escape routes, with temporary fire exits installed to ensure full compliance and protect building users. 

Key Facts 

• Delivering complex enabling works within a historic setting: taking place within a nationally significant building, the first phase includes pile probing, site clearance, service diversions and temporary drainage as part of a multi-phase programme. 
• Maintaining Library operations throughout construction: located in a busy area with close neighbours, the works require careful planning, regular liaison and clear communication to minimise disruption while maintaining Library access and safe emergency escape routes throughout construction. 
• Supporting stakeholder coordination: close collaboration with project stakeholders is helping to ensure the works progress safely and efficiently.