Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council commented: "For the second time in a week Birmingham's aspiration to transform the 'West Side' of the city, from the ICC through to the Council House, have been handed a massive boost.
"The new Library of Birmingham will be an iconic landmark, and a testament to the role we will play in the 21st century as a truly global city. I am delighted that today’s decision supports our plans to push forwards, and start building.
"We are juxtaposing culture and regeneration on a far greater scale than any other UK city. Through the strategic investment of £193m, into a landmark for the region, we will lever in millions of pounds of investment. Already people are excited about the confidence we have in our future, and want to be a part of our story."
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The library will occupy a site on Centenary Square between the Birmingham Repertory Theatre (The REP) and Baskerville House which will create 250 consutruction jobs including at least 25 apprenticeships.
Integrated with The REP at ground floor and mezzanine levels, it will create a centre for learning, information and culture which is anticipated to attract up to 10,000 visitors a day, doubling the current figure of almost 5000 per day at the existing Central Library.
The new building has been designed to function flexibly around rapidly developing new digital technologies, creating new opportunities for learning and access. It will provide increased space and improved climatic conditions for storage of the library's world famous archives, collections of photography, and Early and Fine Printing including rare treasures such as the Shakespeare First Folio of 1623 and JJ Audubon’s Birds of America, one of the world’s largest books. Exhibition space will be dramatically increased to allow for improved public access to the archives and visiting exhibitions.
(CD/GK)
