News Story

Liverpool library PFI deal signed.

Months of anxiety has ended for Liverpool government chiefs as the contract for the redevelopment of Liverpool's central library is signed.

The £50m contract to redevelop the 150-year old library has been formally signed by council leaders and the Inspire Partnership and work will begin this autumn.

The Inspire Partnership is a joint venture between Amber Infrastructure and Shepherd Construction with Architects at Austin Smith: Lord and Cofey providing facilities management for the development.

The new revamped library will feature high class visitor facilities with excellent access to the library's book collections, along with available space for a new purpose built home for Liverpool's Record Office.

Council Leader Joe Anderson said: "Liverpool Central Library is one of the most celebrated public libraries but it desperately needs this renovation so the approval of this scheme is one of the best bits of news the city will hear this year.

"The scale of this project is immense and it will take some time to complete, but I'm sure the wait will be well worth it."

Staff began emptying the Central Library in the New Year and have already been undertaking the biggest review of the library's collections in 40 years.