Kier Construction has been awarded an £18m contract to extend, refurbish and modernise the library at the University of Kent in Canterbury.

The Templeman Library has been at the heart of the university's campus since it first opened in 1965, providing a meeting point, place of study and knowledge centre for the ever-growing community of students. The £18m 'facelift' will see Kier working closely with architects Penoyre & Prasad to provide a 5,200sq m, five-floor extension to the existing library, and extensive refurbishment of the original building.

The project involves the construction of a five-floor extension, creating 5,200sq m of additional space, including a new climate controlled basement. Internal areas will be completely remodelled and refurbished with an emphasis on creating a light-filled and airy environment with views across the grounds towards the city of Canterbury.

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Creating a vibrant and contemporary building for study, interaction and exploration, the design brings together a variety of reading areas, versatile collection and exhibition space, and a 250-seat lecture theatre.

Externally hard and soft landscaping includes a newly-enhanced lawn entrance to the south of the building, combined with improvements made to the north, to create a cultural avenue linking the existing theatre and architecture school.

Commenting on the project, Kier Construction operations director, Peter Searle, said: "As a local contractor in Kent, Kier is delighted to be working on this important project for the University of Kent in Canterbury.

"The newly refurbished library will provide a contemporary learning environment for the many students who will learn here now, and in the future, ensuring the Templeman Library continues its enduring and pivotal role within the campus for many years to come."

(CD/JP)