Funded bythe BIG Lottery Communities Library Fund and Calderdale Council.

The new library replaced the existing cramped Victorian library on King Cross Street.

This confined site borders the A58. The required levels for the library would place it below the adjacent road level. To avoid disruption to the road, a contiguous pile wall was installed, allowing uninterrupted use of the A58.

Structural support for the building is provided by a steel frame on traditional concrete pad foundations.

The steel frame was designed as a braced frame to ensure the most efficient use of steel sections keeping costs to a minimum, enabling the architect to give the interior an open and light feel by the use of extensive glazing. 

Rainwater storage and recycling system reduces flood risk and water consumption.

Rainscreen cladding over the double skin blockwork walls reduce noise from the adjacent road.