Cardiff University pauses controversial library redevelopment after backlash

Cardiff University has made a significant U-turn over controversial plans to convert an entire floor of its busiest library into teaching space, following mounting criticism from staff, students and alumni. It was previously reported that the university had been considering proposals to transform the second floor of the Arts and Social Sciences Library (ASSL) into four teaching rooms , to accommodate around 160 students. The plans sparked widespread concern after staff were informed in May that the redevelopment could be delivered by the end of the academic year in June 2026. Critics warned the proposals threatened valuable study space, thousands of books and potentially library jobs. A petition opposing the plans attracted 9,974 signatures, with campaigners claiming that up to 7km of shelving and collections spanning Philosophy, History, Languages, Literature, Music and Welsh studies could be affected. However, in an update issued to staff, Cardiff University confirmed it has paused preparatory work originally scheduled for summer 2026, acknowledging that the proposed timeline is no longer achievable. In a letter to colleagues, Anita Edson, Director of Estates and Campus Facilities, said the university had decided to halt initial works to avoid disruption to students during semester one and instead undertake a more comprehensive feasibility study. "The original timelines have now become unachievable and we have taken the decision to pause initial preparatory work," she said. The university said the project team will spend the coming months reviewing all potential locations for the proposed learning space and will engage with staff, students and other stakeholders as part of a consultation process. A full business case is expected to be published towards the end of the year, with any works now unlikely to begin before summer 2027. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here The development had been presented as a "proof-of-concept" for a new multi-purpose learning environment designed to enhance the student experience while also providing additional study space when not being used for teaching. University leaders acknowledged that discussion around the proposal had led to concern among staff and students. Ms Edson said the pause would allow the university community to better understand and help shape the project, including decisions around its location and impact. The update also sought to address some of the fears raised by campaigners. The university insisted that key library collections would not be disposed of, including the Welsh Collection, and stressed that the Salisbury Collection, housed separately within Special Collections, would not be affected by any redevelopment plans. Cardiff University further stated that there are currently no plans to reduce library staffing levels as part of the project. The full email sent to staff members reads: "I am writing with an important update on our plans to invest in new multi-purpose study and learning spaces. "You may be aware that the University is actively considering a proof-of-concept for a new type of learning space, that would also provide additional study space, to significantly improve the student learning experience. "The Arts and Social Studies Library (ASSL) was one location being considered to host this trial space, with some potential associated works planned over the summer. Regrettably, this resulted in unnecessary concern and misinformation being shared – despite our assurances that no final decisions have been taken. "The original timelines have now become unachievable and we have taken the decision to pause initial preparatory work - planned for summer of 2026 - to avoid disruption to students in Semester 1. "Instead, during the summer the project team will continue to work on a thorough feasibility study including a continued review of all possible locations. In doing so, we will engage with staff, students and other key stakeholders to help in the co-creation of this new learning space. "The plan is to create a full business case for approval through the usual University governance process. We expect to publish this towards the end of the year. This timescale would allow works to commence in the Summer of 2027 and minimise disruption. "We feel it is the right decision to pause at this point and provide opportunities for our community to better understand and shape the project and consult on the detail - including the location and its impact. "Finally, I want to take this opportunity to reiterate the points made in the recent message sent to students from Professor Amanda Tonks, Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor, Education and Student Experience. "In relation to the ASSL, key books and collections would not be disposed of as part of our plans. We will continue to retain and manage our book stock, as is normal practice for our libraries, managing our collections responsibly – including for important collections like the Welsh Collection. "The Salisbury Collection is not in circulation. It is housed in Special Collections on the lower ground floor of ASSL and would not be impacted. There is also no planned change to the number of library staff that we have at Cardiff University. "I hope this offers reassurance that our aim is to significantly improve the student learning experience by creating an immersive learning space and an environment that provides additional study space when it is not used for teaching. "Finally, I look forward to working and consulting further with colleagues on this major investment during the coming months. Further information on how staff and students can input and have their say will be shared in the coming weeks."