Artists Impression
In 2004, Worcestershire County Council and the University of Worcester formed a new partnership with a view to deliver a joint Library and History Centre. Since then, joint working has continued and a bid for provisional PFI credits was submitted in March 2005.
The project proposed is a groundbreaking partnership development to create a fully integrated public and university library, which will be completely new to the UK and highly innovative internationally. The library will also include the county archives and record office history centre, the county’s archaeology service and a multi-agency customer service centre. The concept has been developed jointly, by Worcestershire County Council (the County Council/WCC) and the University of Worcester (UW). It will create a cultural, learning and information centre of excellence promoting life long learning, engendering social inclusion and raising aspirations in the broadest sense for the whole community, regardless of age, background, or ability.
The preferred location for the new WLHC is based on the existing City Council Depot at The Butts within the St Clement’s Gate Development Area in Worcester. The largest part of the site, an area of approximately one hectare, has recently been purchased from Worcester City Council by the County Council, funded by Advantage West Midlands. Negotiations are ongoing for the acquisition for the remainder of the land.
| The site is located adjacent to the northern edge of the main central shopping area of Worcester immediately south of the proposed University second campus to be located on Castle Street, formerly part of the Worcester Royal Infirmary. The two sites are separated by the existing high-level railway viaduct. | The site is located adjacent to the northern edge of the main central shopping area of Worcester immediately south of the proposed University second campus to be located on Castle Street, formerly part of the Worcester Royal Infirmary. The two sites are separated by the existing high-level railway viaduct. | The site is located adjacent to the northern edge of the main central shopping area of Worcester immediately south of the proposed University second campus to be located on Castle Street, formerly part of the Worcester Royal Infirmary. The two sites are separated by the existing high-level railway viaduct. |
The site is located adjacent to the northern edge of the main central shopping area of Worcester immediately south of the proposed University second campus to be located on Castle Street, formerly part of the Worcester Royal Infirmary. The two sites are separated by the existing high-level railway viaduct.
This drawing is intended only to indicate the overall scale and footprint of the development and its access.
Preferred Location
Outline Planning Consent has been granted for Worcester Library and History Centre.
| Supporting Documentation is available in pdf format to download and view. |
LinkThe application was considered by Worcester City Planning Committee at its meeting on 12th October 2006. The Committee approved the proposal to develop the site to provide a library and history centre of 10500m² and 4500m² of complimentary commercial space.
Site Plan
The Committee’s decision is a project milestone. It finally establishes the principal of developing the site for a library and history centre of the size required by the Project Partners.
The way is now clear for the Project Team to develop the Detailed Design Statement which will be used to define and illustrate the Project Partners commitment to a high quality architectural and environmental outcome.
The partnership is led by Worcestershire County Council and the University of Worcester but includes Worcester City Council, the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Worcester College of Technology and Advantage West Midlands. The partners have been developing the joint proposal for some time.
The proposal also includes a joint customer service centre. This is part of the realisation and development of the innovative ‘Worcestershire Hub’ a pathfinder e-government project being implemented by a wide range of public, private and voluntary sector organisations across Worcestershire. The contact centre proposed fully meets the ODPM criteria for joined up service provision and will add value to the new library confirming it as the primary ‘destination’ for information and public services in Worcester.
Patrick Birch, Director of Corporate Services and Dr Martin Doughty, University Pro Vice Chancellor are the Projects Owners with responsibility for promoting the project and liaison with senior executives. They also have overall responsibility for the successful delivery of the project
Project Manager, Peter Parkes, Head of Strategic Projects (joint appointment with University) manages the day-to-day activities on the project, co-ordinates teams and tasks. Also leads negotiation with bidders with overall responsibility for procurement.
Iain Paul, our Design Manager, will lead the team on all design and planning on the project. He will co-ordinate technical input and advice, including the development of appropriate Detailed Design Statements and corresponding Output Specifications. He will also lead on sustainability.
Funding
The project is being funded from a range of sources, including the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM), the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), Advantage West Midlands (AWM), the University of Worcester and Worcestershire County Council.
Programme
Construction will commence in 2009 with a project completion in the spring of 2011.
| Other Downloads | Description |
| OJEU Notice | Link to Ted Website |
