Once a chapel, 146 years a library.
- Tim Carter
- Jun 18
- 1 min read
This summer, we are proud to be working at Haileybury College to bring to life a restored, refreshed and modernised Library. The building Grade II* listed building and part of the southern range of the original quadrangle, design by William Wilkins and built between 1806 and 1809. Originally a chapel, the building was transformed into the school library in 1879 and now boasts over 30,000 books nestled in a space rich with heritage.
This project will see the period features, which include the original ceiling, preserved and enhanced and the reinstatement of documented original elements such as low hanging pendant lights and the position of the original staircase. These will complement a modernisation of the use and function of the library which will create a 21st century space with improved solar control, acoustics, lighting and ventilation.
Glazed inner doors will create transparency from the point of arrival throughout the building to a new segregable teaching space for talks, seminars or events. Most of all, the overall space will offer students an environment which they can enjoy and relax within, either sinking into a chair and enjoying a book, or settling in at a restored desk for a period of study.
Through positive engagement with the local planning authority we have received an approval without conditions, we look forward to bringing updates as the project progresses over the summer.
