Worcester Library and History Centre

Worcester Library and History Centre

The creation of a new multi-million pound Library and History Centre in Worcester has began in earnest, with the contracts for the project signed, financial close reached and the building work started. Construction on the site commenced on Monday 1st February 2010, and Worcester Library and History Centre will open to the public in 2012.

Professor David Green, Vice Chancellor of the University of Worcester, and Dr George Lord, Leader of the County Council, marked the start of the work with a guided tour for pupils from Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Primary School in Worcester, as well as key staff who have been working on the project.

The Library and History Centre is a partnership between Worcestershire County Council, University of Worcester, Worcester City Council and Advantage West Midlands.

A unique landmark building, the Centre will be a combination of indoor and outdoor working areas, quiet spaces and centres of activity.

In the building there will be:

• A fully-integrated public and university library
• Worcestershire Record Office
• Worcestershire Historic Environment and Archaeology Service
• Worcestershire Hub Customer Service Centre

The Centre will be the first of its kind in Europe and will provide a rich resource for the whole of the community of Worcestershire and beyond.

Situated adjacent to the River Severn and next to the new University of Worcester campus, Worcester Library and History Centre is being built by Galliford Try Investment and is a private finance initiative (PFI). View the project's Final Business Case.

The building has been designed to embrace the needs of everyone and provide a breadth of user-friendly facilities and benefits. Specialist groups have been consulted and their ideas have been incorporated into the design. A personal care suite for people with special needs, greater access to curriculum materials and access to digital media will all be available. 

The Centre will be a modern zone for learning, creating a vibrant meeting place for the community, university students and businesses. It will be a place of learning, a thriving hub, as well as a place of sanctuary and comfort.

The dramatic design of the building and state-of-the-art equipment will attract and inspire new audiences and stimulate long-standing patrons to try an all together new library experience.