Explore York Libraries and Archives Annual Review 2022 - Report - Page 27
Clifton Explore: growing forward with
our community
A major construction project, funded by a
multi million pound investment from City of
York Council will transform the original Clifton
Without Junior School site.
The new Explore Centre will be five times
larger than the existing library. Its 1,400
square metres will offer space for 15,000
books, a reading café and a children’s library,
plus meeting rooms and other spaces.
Organisations based at the centre will include
The Snappy Trust, Accessible Arts and Media
and York Learning working in partnership with
Explore to add value to the local community.
At every stage of planning, we have kept up a
conversation with local people, hearing from
them about what they want to see, developing
and refining plans for the whole site together.
Clifton Explore will be made by the community
for the community.
“Working with the community
of Clifton and with our
community partners, we
look forward to being able
to do so much more of what
we are good at – providing
safe, accessible spaces that
welcome everyone in.”
You asked and we put
it in the plan!
• Fully accessible library with comfortable
seating,space for quiet study,and separate
spaces for children and young people
• Free PCs to use
• Flexible shelving and furniture in the main
library which can transform into a 150-seat
performance space
• Reading café
Clifton Explore development 2022/23
2022 Spring
Planning application submitted
2022 Summer
Focus groups and conversations with local
residents and customers
17 October 2022
Planning permission granted!
March 2023
Contractor Walter Thompson appointed.
April 2023
Work begins on site.
The story continues…
• Meeting rooms,fitted out with the latest
technology
• Collaborative discussions with local people to
plan the garden and outdoor space
• Environmentally friendly features includin
g
solar panels and electric charging bays
• Cycle and car parking,accessible parking
spaces and storage for buggies and
pushchairs
Shaped with You | Annual Review 2022/23
27
