The British Library has officially been given the green light by council bosses to redevelop its 44-acre campus at Boston Spa in West Yorkshire, which is currently home to more than three quarters of the Library’s collection of over 170 million items
In April last year, the library submitted plans to Leeds' local authority outlining its intentions to expand by building a new 28m high, 57,000 sq ft Net Zero archive building - driven by the urgent need for more space for the British Library’s growing print collection.
Now that plans have been approved, the Library can move one step closer to its dream of transforming Temple Works into a new British Library of the North.
The British Library hopes that the creation a new state-of-the-art storage facility at Boston Spa will underpin further plans to open a major new public-facing site in the centre of Leeds at Temple Works. / Image: Tim GreenThe existing British Library site at Boston Spa, pictured in the snow / Image: Wikimedia Commons
As part of the Boston Spa expansion, it will be demolishing some existing buildings on the site, formerly a Second World War munitions factory, in order to make room for a new archive that will feature a public gallery and 220km of new shelf space.
But that's not all. The library also plans to renovate its 1970s brutalist Urquhart building, by adding a cafe, restaurant and new reading room to be used by both visitors (such as local school trips) and its 500-strong team of on-site staff.
The new public viewing gallery will give school parties and other visitors an opportunity to see the vast scale and robotic technology of the Library’s ‘backstage’ operation in action for the very first time.
As for the gardens and surrounding areas, new and improved green spaces also feature in the plans - with the library keen to enhance the local biodiversity and its surrounding natural environment, replacing six old and outdated buildings with new bio diverse green spaces.
The budget for the redevelopment comes from a significant government investment that was first announced in the March 2020 budget.
Buildings at Boston Spa that are no longer in use will be removed, whilst it is hoped that the creation a new state-of-the-art storage facility will underpin further plans to open a major new public-facing site in the centre of Leeds.
A planning officer's report accompanying the decision said: "The development proposals will create a state of the art storage facility which is positive and the development with enable the British Library's continued commitment to the campus at TATE, which has wider benefits for the city of Leeds.
"The design of the proposed building appears to be well considered and is a welcomed improvement to the previous design and the existing storage building.
"The wider changes to the campus are also supported with the improvements to the green environment, public accessibility and commitment to high levels of energy efficiency being particularly positive."
Trinity Leeds is transforming Trinity Kitchen into the ultimate space to watch all the World Cup 2026 action together.
Looking for somewhere to cheer on England in the 2026 World Cup? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
Foodie hotspot Trinity Kitchen has been completely transformed into the ultimate fan zone with space for up to 1,000 cheering fans.
And they’ve made sure that nobody misses out on the action.
There are three super-sized 5x3m screens dotted around the space, so wherever you go you won’t miss out on a goal.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There’s also a brand-new bar courtesy of local favourites Northern Monk named the ‘Northern Monk Trinity Tap’.
The tap will feature two, seven-metre bars with a whopping 20 beer taps to keep you refreshed and hydrated during the tournament, because cheering the lads on really can be thirsty work.
If you don’t fancy a beer there’s also cocktails, wine and soft drinks on offer as well - so nobody has to miss out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Feeling peckish? Of course there’s 11 street food vendors serving match day meals and snacks to keep you fuelled through the games.
Choose from Caribbean jerk chicken from Jerk Junction, Indian street food from Rolawala and loads more.
Entry is completely free but if you’re after a reserved seat on a table, tickets cost just £10.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “Trinity Kitchen will operate as normal during the day, transforming into a football fan zone in the evening.
“It will be one of the biggest World Cup venues in Leeds with three huge screens showing the games live and more dotted around Trinity Kitchen. There will be live roaming brass bands and DJs turning every England fixture into a true celebration.
“Fans can turn up and grab a space for free and we will also be offering table bookings for England games for those who want to guarantee the best spots to watch the drama unfold.
“Our line-up of street food vendors will serve bold flavours from around the world, while the all-new Northern Monk Trinity Tap will pour award-winning craft beers across 20 taps, making Trinity Kitchen the ultimate place to eat, drink and experience every unforgettable World Cup moment."
It’s all kicking off on Wednesday 17 June for England v Croatia. So rally your mates together, get your England shirts on and grab your tickets here.
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
News
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Georgina Pellant -
6th January 2022 
