Galliford Try, the construction and housebuilding group, has been appointed preferred bidder on a £60 million PFI project to develop the new Worcester Library and History Centre for Worcestershire County Council in partnership with the University of Worcester.

The development will create a fully integrated public and university library which will be the first of its kind in the UK. The scheme will also include the county archives and records office, history centre, archaeology service, multi-agency customer service centre in addition to commercial and retail space.

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The building is set to become one of the world's most sustainable buildings with a 50% reduction in carbon emissions and will have a BREEAM rating of "Excellent".

Construction on site is expected to begin in October 2009 and completion is expected by January 2012.

Greg Fitzgerald, Chief Executive, said: "Bringing together Galliford Try's strength in delivering schemes through the Private Finance Initiative together with its investment and construction expertise has been key to securing this appointment. We are delighted to be working with Worcestershire County Council and the University of Worcester to bring this important project to fruition."

(CD/JM)