Library ready for new chapter with Centenary Square relocation

BRADFORD’S Central Library is preparing to relocate to Centenary Square after the council agreed a deal with property firm Rushbond to reopen the it in the last available unit at the city centre development.

The library is due to open in December and will house 60,000 books, around 40 computers, and will host a range of events.

Richard Baker of Rushbond said: “City Library will be a fantastic addition to Centenary Square and the fact it will be in such a prominent position, in the heart of the city centre and close to rail and bus links, will enable more people to take advantage of this superb resource.

“Our existing occupiers include Nandos, Starbucks, Dragon Thai Restaurant, Forsters Bistro, J D Wetherspoon and Bradford College, which already combine to attract good levels of footfall in the area and this will be boosted further by City Library.

“It will also enhance the fantastic range of leisure, cultural and education facilities on offer in City Park, which, just 18 months after opening, is already resulting in a wide range of tangible benefits and proving to be a great asset for the city of Bradford.”

Coun Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford Council’s executive member for culture, said: “It is fantastic that we have got this modern, light, airy space to house a library right next to City Park and Centenary Square. It enables us to deliver a 21st century library service.

“It is not just about books, it is about events. If you look at libraries across the district the highest visitor numbers are the ones that hold most events.”