Plan to convert derelict building into offices approved

Carnegie Library in Shipley dates back to 1905, and each day thousands of motorists pass by the crumbling building on Leeds Road.

Although it has never been listed, the building is seen as important part of the town’s history, having been built thanks to a donation from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

In recent years, the building has been little more than a shell, with sections of roof missing and the smashed windows covered with murals.

Carnegie Library in Shipley (Image: T&A)

Earlier this year the building’s owners, Carleton Care, applied for planning permission to convert the library into office space.

A new company - Carnegie Home Solutions – would be based in the building, with about 10 staff to start with.

The business said it aimed to start work to restore and convert the building as soon as planning permission is granted.

Carnegie Library in Shipley (Image: T&A)

That application has now been approved by Bradford Council, with planners arguing that the building desperately needed to be put to a new use before it was lost.

Since the building closed as a library it has been used as a lecture theatre, dance studio and Irish centre.

There have been other plans to restore the building, and in 2021 Carlton Care group was granted permission to convert the building into seven supported living units.

The first floor of the Carnegie Library (Image: T&A)

That plan never got off the ground, and the company’s new application said: “After deliberation on alternative uses on the site it is proposed to use the property as office.”

Highways officers had raised concerns about plans for a nine-space car park that would be built to the rear of the building, with access off Crag Road.

But planning officers pointed out that previously approved applications for the building also included parking in this space, and refusing this scheme for that reason would not be justified.

Although many of the building’s internal features have been lost, the ornate internal staircase will be retained and restored as part of the conversion.

The ornate staircase at the library (Image: T&A)

Approving the plans, officers said: “Carnegie Library is in a very poor state of repair both internally and externally as it has been vacant for several years and finding a long-term sustainable use for the building is key to its future preservation.

“The building is in a desperate need of a new suitable use.

“The application will help to bring a viable new use to a building which has been stood vacant for a long time of which a long-term sustainable use is key to its future preservation.”