One of the biggest library redevelopments in the UK has moved a major step closer.

Liverpool City Council has chosen Inspire Partnership for the £50 million Liverpool Central Library and Archive PFI contract, following a Europe-wide search for a blue chip development partner.

The successful contractor - which beat off competition from three other short listed organisations - is a joint venture between Amber Infrastructure and Shepherd Construction.

Central Library - which is located in the heart of Liverpool's cultural quarter on William Brown Street - has gradually fallen into disrepair over many decades. It suffers from damp and a leaking roof.

Under the scheme, the Grade II listed parts of the building which date back to 1850, including the façade and famous Picton, Hornby and Oak Reading Rooms, will be restored to their former glory.


The sections behind the façade which were built in the 1950s and 1970s following World War II bomb damage will be demolished and rebuilt to make the most of the available space. The new library will be open and inviting giving the public access to enhanced facilities in a landmark building.

Council Leader Warren Bradley said: "This is the biggest ever single investment in the city's library service and will create a stunning building the whole city can be proud of.

"A tremendous amount of work has gone into getting to this stage and the Project Board looked extremely carefully at each of the bids before making a recommendation.

"This scheme will enable us to upgrade and restore the much loved historic parts of the building, creating a first-class 21st century facility which is right at the heart of the city's cultural quarter."

The project, which is due to start next summer, will include a new home for the Liverpool Record Office which will house 14km of archives and some of the city's most historic treasures from the last 800 years - such as the original 1207 charter - in purpose built secure, climate controlled storage.

The building is due to close in June 2010, and will take three months to empty completely before construction work commences.

(CD/KMcA)