Sheffield Central Library and Millennium Gallery could swap roles under new plans

Sheffield’s Central Library could become an art gallery, with library services moving across the road into Millennium Gallery, under proposals reported by The Star.

Sheffield City Council’s Strategy and Resources Policy Committee will consider the plans on Wednesday 11 November. Councillors are being asked to authorise £100,000 for the next stage of development, rather than approve the full transformation.

The proposed changes would bring Millennium Gallery’s artworks together with the Graves Gallery collection in the Grade II-listed Surrey Street building. Millennium Gallery would instead accommodate Central Library services and City Archives, with a new library entrance on Tudor Square. The scheme also includes restoration of the historic building and a rooftop sculpture garden.

Estimated costs and funding

The Surrey Street transformation is expected to cost between £125 million and £135 million. Adapting Millennium Gallery for library services is estimated at a further £40 million to £45 million.

Council documents identify the Arts Council and National Lottery Heritage Fund as possible sources of further funding.

Councillor Fran Belbin, leader of Sheffield City Council, said the feasibility work had identified a preferred option intended to safeguard the historic building and provide a modern, accessible base for the library and archives. She said residents, service users and partners would remain involved if councillors agreed to develop the proposals.

Graves Gallery temporarily closed

The 92-year-old library building has had hoardings around it for three years because of structural problems. Heating faults forced Graves Gallery, on its third floor, to close temporarily on Saturday 31 October. It is expected to open at an interim venue in 2027 during repairs.

Sheffield Museums, which runs both galleries, supports the proposals. In its statement to the council, it described the prospect of an expanded Graves Gallery as a “nationally significant destination for visual art on our doorstep”.

Source: The Star