Community Library – Burley in Wharfedale, West Yorkshire

Burley Parish Council

Burley in Wharfedale, Ilkley, West Yorkshire

Bowman Riley was commissioned by Burley Parish Council to design and manage the refurbishment of the community library in the village of Burley-in-Wharfedale near Ilkley.  This project was delivered simultaneously with the refurbishment of the Queen’s Hall in the village.

The ownership and management of both the Queen’s Hall and library were transferred to Parish Council from Bradford Metropolitan District Council following local government cutbacks.

The 1970s building was in need of repair and refurbishment to bring it up to modern standards to make it a viable community asset and to future proof its survival. Adjacent to Grange Park and on the edge of a conservation area, a sensitive approach was needed to the refurbishment to ensure the exterior of the building remained in keeping with the surrounding area.

In addition to the library service, the building is well used by the local community and is home to various clubs including a Chess Club, Storytime for under 5s, Local History Group, Knitting Group and Reading Group.

Bowman Riley provided a refurbishment plan consulting with a specialist roofing contractor to repair the leaking roof and with a specialist window contractor to improve the thermal efficiency of the building.

We specified a contemporary interior with a unique carpet design and a modern kitchen.   An automatic door and upgraded WCs improving the accessibility of the library for all users.

Our in-house project manager worked on behalf of the Parish Council to ensure the project was delivered within a tight six-week programme on site and within budget working with the main contractor JP Wild.

Officially opened in August 2019, this project was a real collaboration between our interior designers and building consultancy team and resulted in a successful outcome for the community retaining a much-loved local asset.