In April 2023 major works began on the Clifton Without Junior School in Clifton, York. This £5.3 million council-funded development was to transform the old school into a sleek, contemporary library, now called the Explore Library Learning Centre. As well as the main library packed full of every type of book you could need, a comfy reading café was also included which offers a full hot food menu, as well as teas, coffees, and home baked treats.

Although modernity was at the forefront, we were still conscious to retain some of the original architectural elements of the old school building, seamlessly merging old with new to create a community hub that blends perfectly with the surrounding buildings and landscape. We also worked closely with architects and contractors to ensure sustainable elements were included such as heat recovery systems, solar panels, electric charging bays in the carpark, and a living roof.

Carefully selected community partners will also now be based in the building including The Snappy Trust, Accessible Arts and Media, and York Learning. These partners were chosen based on their ability to add value to the local community and to work to enhance the provision of services locally. Between them they offer fun and interactive learning for young people and those with special needs, and adult learning courses in subjects such as bookkeeping, dressmaking, childcare and cookery, to name a few.

Unique facilities are now available to all users such as high-quality meeting rooms with free Wi-FI throughout, a performance space with a capacity of 150 people, outdoor areas for sitting or playing, and access to over 15,000 books as well as computers and audio.

We are so pleased to have been able to provide local residents with a modern and welcoming space for learning, relaxing and socialising.

As always, a huge thank you and congratulations to all those involved with this fantastic community scheme.