On the afternoon of 21 September 2026, our client Mitsui Fudosan UK hosted a traditional Japanese groundbreaking ceremony for the British Library extension. Marking the start of construction on the 700,00 sq ft extension to the existing Library building, the Redwood team had the pleasure of supporting Mitsui Fudosan UK on the day for a very special ‘Ji chin sai’ ceremony that was both momentous and moving and blessed with brilliant sunshine.
Officiated by a ‘saikan’ or priest, the groundbreaking ceremony itself followed traditional Shinto rituals to prepare the site by invoking the ‘kami’, or earth spirits, for permission to proceed and asking them to protect and keep safe of all those engaged in delivering the new scheme during the period of its construction. The event brought together over 100 attendees, including representatives of the Library, the development team and organisations key to the King’s Cross Knowledge Quarter, as well as local community groups, Camden Council and the GLA.
The British Library and its partner SMBL (wholly owned by Mitsui Fudosan UK), are delivering the £1.1 billion landmark development on land north of the existing Library, representing a major investment in the UK. Funded by Mitsui Fudosan, with Stanhope as development manager and Mace as construction manager, the scheme will provide an additional 100,000 sq ft for the British Library, creating a multi-purpose extension with new galleries, learning and other spaces to expand its support for researchers, start-ups and learners of all ages. The scheme also includes 600,000 sq ft of commercial space for organisations looking to make their base in London’s Knowledge Quarter to help create a thriving ecosystem for science and innovation.
We are proud to have worked with Mitsui Fudosan UK on the delivery this milestone event and we are delighted to be able to continue assisting in the project’s success during the coming years until its completion, due in 2032.
