News / construction
£80m ‘cultural destination’ uni library put on hold
Plans for the University of Bristol’s £80m flagship library have been placed on hold.
The seven-storey scheme, designed by Hawkins\Brown and Schmidt Hammer Lassen, was approved in 2021 and originally scheduled for completion in 2026.
The 14,320m² building was set to replace the existing Hawthorns building, which has stood on the site since the late 19th century.
Located at the corner of Elton Road and Woodland Road, just a few steps from Senate House, the library was designed to provide 2,000 study seats, public exhibition space and shelf room for around 420,000 books.
A university spokesperson confirmed that the project has been paused and will not be reviewed for at least three to five years, though it remains part of the institution’s long-term vision.
The decision to pause the project was taken by the University Board of Trustees back in 2022.
The proposed library was approved by councillors in a six to four vote in 2021, overturning an earlier rejection.
The scheme was described as a future “cultural destination” for the city, offering world-class facilities.
The initial refusal had cited concerns over design, road safety and the impact on the surrounding conservation area.
The view of the proposed library from Royal Fort Gardens – photo: Hawkins/Brown, Schmidt Hammer Lassen and BuroHappold
A University of Bristol spokesperson said: “We remain committed to investing in study spaces and library resources to provide the best learning environment and experience for our students.
“Currently, the library project has been paused, and we do not anticipate reviewing that decision for the next three to five years. We are not cancelling it because we recognise that opportunities may emerge in the future to change this.”
The Hawthorns is located at the corner where Elton Road meets Woodland Road – photo: Milan Perera
The Hawthorns began its life as a series of villas before being combined and converted into a hotel between 1888 and 1924.
The University of Bristol acquired the site in 1991 which was then repurposed as offices, study spaces and student accommodation.
The University of Bristol acquired the site in 1991 which was then repurposed as offices, study spaces and student accommodation – photo: Milan Perera
Main photo: Hawkins/Brown, Schmidt Hammer Lassen and BuroHappold
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