Three multi-national construction giants short-listed to build the new £193 million Library of Birmingham were unveiled today, marking yet another major step toward the opening of the new building in 2013.

Leading figures from Carillion, Laing O'Rourke and Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd, met with Birmingham City Council Leader, Councillor Mike Whitby, and Birmingham Repertory Theatre (The REP) Executive Director, Stuart Rogers, and were taken on tours of the new library site, The REP and the current Central Library during a special event to help each learn more about the groundbreaking project.

Following their visit to Birmingham each company will be invited to submit a tender by the 1st August 2008. Formal interviews will then follow with a winning bidder expected to be announced before the end of the year.


A similar exercise to recruit a world-class design team, which will then work with the chosen construction partner on the project, is currently nearing completion with an announcement of the winning architect due later this summer.

Cllr Whitby said: "We are determined that the new library, integrated with the REP, will be among the very finest and most user-friendly civic buildings in the world. To achieve this it is paramount that we attract the very finest international design and construction partners, which is why I am delighted with the credentials of companies short-listed for each contract.

Stuart Rogers, Executive Director, The REP, said: "We are delighted with the calibre of companies on this short-list and would look forward to working with any of them to develop the new building. All three boast impressive track records building truly iconic landmark developments, and I'm sure would be well capable of handling such a high profile and culturally important project."

The new building will be developed on land adjoining The REP, in Centenary Square, with the library and theatre joining together and sharing a number of facilities to create a unique centre for knowledge, learning and culture.

As well as shared reception, auditorium, staff and catering facilities the new building will include purpose-designed study areas, new exhibition spaces, and state-of-the-art interactive displays giving access to collections which have regional, national and international importance.

(JM)