Library & History Centre Project

Worcester City Library, Worcestershire Record Office and Worcestershire's Historic Environment and Archaeology Service are embarking on a whole new chapter as part of a larger project with the University of Worcester and the City Council. All are working closely together to create a unique artistic, cultural and learning quarter for Worcester; a groundbreaking Library and History Centre that will raise aspirations in the broadest sense for the whole community, regardless of age, background or ability. Sited in Worcester's The Butts, the building will be unique in Britain and form a link between the proposed site of the new University campus and the City. Integration of the University and public libraries, together with the history centre (which brings the whole Record Office together on one site with Archaeology) is seen as an innovative and central element in widening opportunities in the region.

Plans have now moved a step closer to reality as the Government agreed to provide the Partners in the project £36.8 million from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. This visionary scheme will play a huge part in the regeneration of the city.

The final piece of the jigsaw now is securing a £10 million grant from development agency Advantage West Midlands. If successful, the Joint Worcester Library and History Centre, a partnership between Worcestershire County Council and the University of Worcester and Worcester City Council, should be completed in 2010.

If you would like to express your views about the new Library and History Centre; please email Nicki nhitchcock@worcestershire.gov.uk who is part of the Library Service project team.