In 1923-24 a competition was held to design a building to replace the Wilkin's Library and Provost's Lodge. A new library was to be the centrepiece of the new building. The competition was won by Rowse and Budden. Sir Gilbert Scott was also invited to submit. But both designs were ultimately not accepted. Later George Kennedy produced a design for the projected long range to replace the library and Old Lodge, but this was also not put into action.