University Library is a Grade II listed building in the Cambridge local planning authority area, England. First listed on 10 May 1962. Library. 25 related planning applications.
University Library
- WRENN ID
- forgotten-vault-solstice
- Grade
- II
- Local Planning Authority
- Cambridge
- Constituency
- Cambridge MP: Daniel Zeichner (Lab)
- Country
- England
- Date first listed
- 10 May 1962
- Type
- Library
- Address
- University Library, West Road, CB3 9DR
- OS grid reference
- TL 441 584
- Coordinates
- 52.20509, 0.10825
- Source
- Historic England listing
Description
The University Library, built between 1931 and 1934, is a Grade II listed building designed by architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. It features a long half H-shaped layout constructed of red brick, with a stone plinth, stringcourse, and cornice, topped by a pantiled roof. The central section projects forward and includes a round-headed rusticated archway, four windows above it, a pediment, and a tall tower. On either side of this central area are recessed sections with three windows each, followed by blocks of twelve tall strip windows that have a recessed penthouse storey and widely overhanging eaves. Each L-shaped block has a lower elevation with two storeys and seven windows. Inside, the library contains several 17th and 18th century bookcases, including those designed by James Essex for the Old University Library between 1731 and 1734.
Local climate
University Library sits in one of the driest parts of the UK, with an average of 690 mm of rain a year. This makes it drier than 96% of listed buildings in the UK. Its exposure to wind-driven rain is lower than that of 82% of listed buildings.
It experiences an average of 32 freeze-thaw cycles a year, fewer than 57% of listed buildings. Of these, 15 follow at least 1 mm of rain in the preceding 48 hours. Average temperatures at this location have risen by 0.3°C per decade since 1991.
Averages for 1991–2020; temperature trend 1991–2025. Figures describe the wider area (a grid cell of roughly 10 km), not the individual site. Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information 2026.
More on this building
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- Full EPC report — heating system, energy costs, size, glazing, construction etc.
- No sale records on file
- Related listed building consents — 25 applications
- Detailed attributes — period, style, materials, features
- Flood risk assessment
- Radon risk assessment
- Weather exposure and heating demand — rain and frost month by month and year by year, wind direction, solar and humidity
Matched applications, energy data and sale records are assembled automatically and may contain errors. Flag incorrect data.
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