Latest update
Piling work will take place at the Treasure House over the next week.
This work will take place from Wednesday, 22 November and last until Thursday, 30 November 2023. All work will be undertaken between the hours of 8am – 4pm to minimise disruption to neighbours.
No work will take place on weekends. We apologise for any disturbance caused. If you have any queries or concerns, please contact Kevin Harrison on 07789172546 or email kevin.harrison@hobsonporter.com.
The Treasure House, Beverley, is closed to the public while works to transform the building and gardens take place, with plans to re-open late 2024. Temporary arrangements will be put in place to allow services to continue as much as possible.
Why is the Treasure House being transformed?
The transformation aims to create a more welcoming cultural hub for the town, whilst also rationalising our assets and getting better value for money for our residents.
The £3.3 million scheme includes a new customer service centre and enhanced library, and a new location within the building for the reference library. The council’s registration services will relocate there from Walkergate House. There will be a new Changing Places facility, and Champney Gardens will also be landscaped, bringing it back to the original designs.
How is it being financed?
It will be largely funded by the sale of our buildings in Cross Street and Walkergate House.
A change of name
The new complex will be known as the Champney Treasure House, after John Champney. He was a Beverley businessman and benefactor who made his fortune in the textile industry. He donated money for the Beverley Public Library and, in 1929, he bequeathed numerous paintings to the Art Gallery's collection - mainly works by contemporary British artists.
What will happen to the current services during the transformation?
During the construction period, which could last up to a year, the whole of the Treasure House will be closed. There will be changes to how you access services during this time. Information can be found on this page for each service affected by the closure.
Update from Councillor Nick Coultish
Portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism
“The Champney Treasure House scheme is aimed at improving the library in Beverley and creating a new cultural hub for the town, whilst also rationalising our assets and getting better value for money for our residents. It will be largely funded by the sale of our buildings in Cross Street and Walkergate House.
“We apologise to our regular customers for the inconvenience caused by this closure period, but we have worked hard to ensure the best possible arrangements for our library customers and TIC users whilst the Treasure House is shut. I can assure all those who use the Treasure House that the wait will be worth it, with superb new facilities from 2024.”
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Changes to East Riding Libraries: Beverley
Beverley Library will temporarily relocate into County Hall, on the other side of Champney Road (directly opposite the existing library). Opening times remain the same. All library services will transfer across to the temporary facility, and regular activities and sessions will resume later in October.
The service move has been designed to be as convenient as possible for our visitors. All public transport links will remain the same as they were. There are pedestrian crossings available so you can cross the road, from the Treasure House to County Hall, safely.
And don't forget that East Riding Libraries also offer an extensive online offer with eBooks, eMagazines and more, all included in a free membership! Visit the website for more information and to join.
Changes to East Riding Museums and Beverley Art Gallery
The Beverley Art Gallery team will be working on redisplaying the permanent collection, in what is currently the Red Gallery, with a view to an exciting new look on reopening. They will share behind-the-scenes activity on social media during the closure, and will also give regular updates on local media, as well as planning an exciting programme for reopening in 2025.
The museum will be closed throughout the period. Selected events, including Tiny Treasures for under 5s and their grown ups, will still take place, hosted at alternative venues.
Changes to East Riding Archives
The Archives research room will be closed to visitors, however the East Riding Archives will be contactable for a variety of enquiries and requests for document copies.
The Archives team will continue adding records to the online catalogue, and undertaking conservation work. They will also continue updating digital projects such as the What Was Here app, the Archives 360 interactive virtual tour, and Archiverse Minecraft. You can keep an eye on updates via their blog and social media channels. Our Archivists will also be delivering talks, workshops and events around the East Riding- please get in touch for a discussion or potential projects.
The service can be contacted via archives.service@eastriding.gov.uk or phone 01482 392790.
Development of the gardens
In September 2023, work started on the attractive landscaping scheme in the gardens, to complement the new-look building. The gardens will be a more welcoming place to visit for everyone.
The new building will house the town’s register office so the gardens will become an ideal location for wedding group photos.
The landscaping work will include new seating areas, a sundial, and new pergolas. One pergola, with climbing foliage overhead, will provide a shaded walk, and the others will be quiet seating areas.
The garden is aimed at improving the environment and will include:
- plenty of new planting and bedding areas
- a biodiverse lawn
- areas designed to encourage insects and wildlife
- new sights and scents.
There will also be an information board to explain the history of the gardens.
Changes to the Tourist Information Centre
The Tourist Information Centre (TIC) will temporarily relocate into the Customer Service Centre (CSC) at 7, Cross Street from Wednesday, 27 September.
Opening times will change slightly on a Friday only, to close in line with the CSC: 9:30am - 5pm Mon - Thu, 9:30am - 4:30pm Fridays, 9am - 4pm on Saturdays and closed on Sundays.
During the short period when the TIC will be closed entirely, the TIC bike will be used around the town to serve tourists and visitors.
Customer Service Centres
Services provided at the current customer service centre at 7, Cross Street will remain unchanged until the work is completed.
Opening times will remain the same: 9am - 5pm Mon - Thu, 9am - 4:30pm Fridays, and closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
The customer services desk will not be open on Saturdays when the Tourist Information Centre desk is open.
Changes to Treasure House Cafe
The cafe will be closed throughout the period.. There are a range of independent and franchise cafes and eateries in the town of Beverley, a short walk from the Treasure House. There is also the East Riding Leisure Cafe, where library members can still use their 10% discount.
Registrars and planning a wedding in 2024
Get ready to make memories you will treasure forever with our brand-new ceremony space in the Old Library. As part of the transformation, the Beverley register office will be moved into the Champney Treasure House.
Services provided at the current register office at Walkergate House will remain unchanged until the work is completed. Anyone planning a register office wedding in Beverley in the autumn or winter of 2024 and beyond should talk to Registrar staff who can advise about the excellent facilities that will be available in the new Champney Treasure House.
Discover ceremonies in The Old Library
Artist impressions of the ceremonies space
Car park closure behind Treasure House
Princes Gardens car park, behind the Treasure House, is closed completely until the Champney Treasure House reopens. Alternative car parking will be available at East Riding Theatre (evenings and weekends); Grayburn Lane; and the railway station.
Media enquiries
For any media enquiries, please contact the press office at East Riding of Yorkshire Council.