British Library at Boston Spa Site Visit

Summary

The British Library at Boston Spa is expanding its capacity, as the national collection grows. Every year three million new items are added to the archive, as it receives a copy of every publication produced in the UK and Ireland. More space is required to house the, year on year increase of 12kms of shelving.

To that end, the Boston Spa Renewed programme seeks to increase the archives capacity and services, by transforming the campus and becoming ‘the most sustainable archive in the world’.

The scheme involves the construction of a new 28m high, 5274m2 ground-breaking, fully automated net zero carbon archive building, which will feature a public viewing gallery and 220km of extra shelf space. Nothing like this archive has been built in the UK before, where the environment is completely airtight, and when complete, a fully automated racking and robotics system will be used to retrieve documents.

Sustainability will be an integral feature of this ambitious programme, including the creation of new and improved green spaces to support biodiversity and enhance the natural environment surrounding the site.

Wates, one of UK’s leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance companies, is the appointed contractor and has been working closely with the team on site in Boston Spa to deliver this ground breaking project.

Members: gain 2 CIOB CPD points when you reflect on the ethical aspects of your learning from this activity.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind all attendees that there is the option to donate to CIOB Assist and any donations would be greatly appreciated as proceeds go to members in need in their time of difficulty.

AGENDA

10.30am - Meet at the British Library reception area for tour of existing Library and viewing patform

11.30am - meet at Wates cabins for project update presentation and tour

1pm - finish

PPE REQUIREMENTS

Wates have kindly agreed to provide PPE for all attendees.

Upon booking your place, please contact Maggie to provide your sizes.

SECURITY AND PARKING

Due to security protocol at the British Library, please contact Maggie to provide full names of attendees.

Also, if you are driving to the venue, please provide your car registration to Maggie prior to the event.

The deadline for these details is 6th May 2025.

Please be aware that if the required details are not received you may not be permitted onto site

CONTACT

Maggie Simons (Yorkshire and Humber Member Services and Events Coordinator)

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 07425649830