Liverpool Central Library Moves a Step Closer
Plans to restore and transform Liverpool Central Library have been given the green light by the City Council’s planning department.
Inspire Partnership, the design, construction and FM project team appointed to the £50m PFI scheme by Liverpool City Council, is now working towards financial close with the aim of starting on-site this summer.
The project will be one of the UK’s biggest library redevelopments. Work will involve restoring the Grade ll listed parts of the building which date back to 1850, including the Picton, Hornby and Oak Reading Rooms. The existing 1950’s and 1970’s facilities will also be replaced to deliver a library for the 21st century, including provision of the latest IT equipment for library users to enjoy.
A key part of the project will also be the provision of a state-of-the-art archive facility for storing some of Liverpool’s most historic treasures.
Inspire Partnership includes investors and asset management company Amber Infrastructure, contractor Shepherd Construction architect Austin-Smith Lord, facilities manager Cofely and building services engineer Buro Happold.
The new look Central Library, which is located on William Brown Street in Liverpool will also include:
New entrance to main library, including a ‘literary carpet’ and front and rear access
Five new floors with better access including escalators, lifts, toilets, meeting rooms and café
New repository with capacity for 20 years of new archive space
Conservation studio for repairs to the city’s literary heritage
New rooftop Atrium and terrace overlooking St. John’s Gardens
Re-opening of historic internal entrances to the Picton Reading Room
Re-opening of International Library, to the original design, as a new children’s zone
Dedicated room to John James Audubon’s celebrated book - Birds of America
Doubling the number of public computers
New light well’s at front and rear to allow library to be naturally lit
New 24 hour on-street, drop-off book service
Mike Leto from Amber Infrastructure commented: “Achieving this milestone is great news and we are working hard to achieve financial close as quickly as possible – the whole team is looking forward to starting construction later on this year and delivering such a landmark facility for the City of Liverpool to enjoy.”
Councillor Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: ‘’We have been developing this project for several years, and to get planning permission and listed building consent is a major milestone. This scheme will enable us to upgrade and restore the much loved historic parts of the building, creating a first-class 21st century facility the whole city can be proud of.’’