A shortlist of seven internationally renowned architectural practices to design the new Library of Birmingham has been announced.

This marks a major milestone in delivering a world-class library for the city.

The list is made up of the top architects in northern Europe, including four based in the UK, two from the Netherlands and one from Denmark.

The shortlist is: Foreign Office Architects; Foster and Partners; Hopkins Architects; Mecanoo; OMA; Schmidt Hammer Lassen amd Wilkinson Eyre.

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Birmingham City Council Leader, Councillor Mike Whitby, said: "Seven internationally renowned architectural practices have been short-listed from more than 100 worldwide. Their reputations for designing high-profile, iconic landmark buildings are what resulted in their selection. The announcement of the shortlist today is a major milestone on the road to delivering a world class library in Birmingham."

Capita Symonds, which is project and cost-managing the £193 million library has been working with Birmingham City Council on the design team shortlist.

The short-listed teams will be invited to a familiarisation day next month to be introduced to the project, site, existing library and REP operations before tendering their formal submissions. All entries will then be evaluated via a rigorous process of interviews and presentations, with an appointment due to be made in the summer.

(CD/JM)