Two left in chase for £50m Liverpool library
08:00 21 Oct 2009
By Brian Warner

Sources say only two groups now have any chance of booking in for a revamped £50m PFI library deal in Liverpool.

The scheme, involving the rebuild of the city's historic Central Library, will now be contested by Inspire Partnership (Shepherd/Babcock & Brown) and Information Resources (Kier/Land Securities Trillium).

The news means the end of a chapter for the two other rivals - Community Solutions (Morgan Sindall/Hochtief) and Kajima Partnerships/Carillion.

If everything goes according to plan, work on site will kick off in 2010, for completion two years later.

The Grade II-listed building, on William Brown Street, has fallen into disrepair and suffers from problems such as dampness and a leaking roof.

And it is understood that Liverpool Council initially wanted to refurbish the 158-year-old building, but struggled to find bidders prepared to carry out the complicated task of remodelling.

Although two groups originally put in bids, one group dropped out and a replacement could not be found. European Union laws state that at least two firms must pitch for public-sector projects to ensure a competitive tender process.

Now the library project will involve new build, rebuilding and demolition projects - a mixture found to be more attractive to contractors.

Now extensions built in the 1950s and 1970s at the back of the library will be bulldozed and replaced with modern reading, lending, computing and audio areas.

Archives will be moved into a purpose-built genealogy centre and the picturesque Picton Reading Room and international library will be refurbished.

The project represents the biggest-ever single investment in the city's library service.

Source: ContractJournal.com (http://www.contractjournal.com/Articles/2009/10/21/72690/two-left-in-chase-for-50m-liverpool-library.html)

This sounds like good news... i suppose the quality of plans in this area is something which must be taken into serious consideration!

It was meant to be completed for 2008 .....

£50m Liverpool Library refurbishment plans unveiled
Oct 30 2009
By Vicky Anderson

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/ldp2/oct2009/3/5/liverpool-central-library-plans-632653680.jpg

THE first images of the £50m refurbishment of Liverpool’s Central Library are revealed today.

Work to completely modernise the library – demolishing parts of the building in the process – will start in summer 2010.

Today, Liverpool City Council released the first pictures of the plans for the revamped building as it named the preferred developer for the mammoth scheme, enabling it to get under way after more than four years of planning.

The plans include a new forecourt with outside cafe space, a rooftop terrace, and meeting rooms.

A “literary carpet” featuring the names of famous books will lead the way to the entrance, and the stonework and masonry will be restored and specially lit at night to complement the library among its William Brown Street neighbours including St George’s Hall, the Walker Art Gallery, and World Museum Liverpool.

Inside, there will be a 24-hour library service for returning books and using computers, a franchised coffee shop on the ground floor, and escalators to the first floor. Light wells will ensure as much natural light enters the building as possible.

The Grade II-listed parts of the building, which date back to 1850, including the Picton, Hornby and Oak reading rooms, will be restored to their former glory, and a new room dedicated to John James Audubon’s illustrated books Birds of America – worth £2m per volume – will be created.

Bringing things well and truly into the 21st century, there will be a soundproof “games pod” for teenagers and young people to utilise, and wi-fi connection throughout the building, as well as downloading facilities.

Liverpool Records Office – the biggest and busiest outside of London, according to the city council – will be expanded to accommodate a further 20 years of acquisitions, in state-of-the-art protective facilities.

It already houses some 14km of archives, including the original King John’s Charter, making Liverpool a city in 1207.

Continues (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2009/10/30/50m-liverpool-library-refurbishment-plans-unveiled-92534-25050438/2/) >>

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http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/402x239.47714285714/oct_09/pnw__1256885365_Central_Library_-_Aerial_View_.jpg

New look library revealed in Liverpool
30 Oct 2009, 07:02
Michael Hunt

Liverpool City Council has chosen Inspire Partnership for the £50m Central Library and Archive Private Finance Initiative contract.

Inspire Partnership, which beat competition from three other shortlisted organisations, is a joint venture between:


Investors Public Partnerships
Asset managers Amber Infrastructure
Constructors and investors Shepherd Construction
Liverpool-based architects Austin-Smith: Lord
Building services engineers Buro Happold
Facilities managers Cofely

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/155x100/oct_09/pnw__1256885506_Central_Library_-_Entrance_Atr.jpg
How the library will look inside

The first images of the new look building were released today and it was announced that work on the library in Liverpool city centre is due to start in June 2010.

Plans for the multi-million project were first revealed in May 2008, which replaced a stalled proposal to extensively refurbish the 158-year-old building.

The council revealed its original plan for Central Library almost four years ago after the Government agreed £50m funding through a Private Finance Initiative.

Central Library, located on William Brown Street, has gradually fallen into disrepair over many decades. It suffers from damp and a leaking roof.

Under the scheme, the Grade II-listed parts of the building which date back to 1850, including the façade and Picton, Hornby and Oak reading rooms, will be restored.

The sections behind the façade, built in the 1950s and 1970s following the bombings during the Second World War, will be demolished and rebuilt to make the most of the available space.

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/168x100/oct_09/pnw__1256886829_Central_Library_-_Entrance_For.jpg
The entrance to the library

Cllr Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool City Council, said: "This is the biggest ever single investment in the city's library service and will create a stunning building the whole city can be proud of. A tremendous amount of work has gone into getting to this stage and the project board looked extremely carefully at each of the bids before making a recommendation."

The project will include a new home for the Liverpool Record Office which will house 14km of archives and some of the city's most historic treasures from the last 800 years, such as the original 1207 charter.

The new look Central Library will also include:


A new entrance to the main library including a 'literary pavement' and front and rear access
Five new floors with better access including meeting rooms and café
New repository with capacity for 20 years of new archive space
New rooftop atrium and terrace overlooking St. John's Gardens
Re-opening of historic internal entrances to the Picton Reading Room
Re-opening of International Library, to original design, as a new children's zone
The building is due to take three months to empty completely from next June, before construction work starts.

A full planning application to redevelop the library will be made on 23 November and a four week public consultation will be held in Central Library throughout December.

Culture Minister Margaret Hodge will be publishing a policy review of the public library service next month.

The restored library is due to open again in 2012.

Source: Place North West (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/4635-new-look-library-revealed-in-liverpool.html)

Happy to see this progressing, still not to sure on the PFI deal.

Library plans show vision
Oct 30 2009
Liverpool Daily Post

ALTHOUGH Liverpool Central Library is a much-loved institution and a key part of the cultural quarter on William Brown Street, the building has for many years been showing signs of age.

The library has gradually fallen into disrepair and suffers from damp and a leaking roof.

This, together with the dowdy appearance of many parts of the building – despite its architectural glories, such as the facade and famous Picton reading room – mean that using this venerable facility has not been as pleasant an experience as it should be.

So it is very welcome news that it is to be comprehensively redeveloped under a £50m transformation.

Under the scheme, the Grade II-listed parts of the building, which date back to 1850 – including the facade and Picton, Hornby and Oak reading rooms – will be restored to their former glory.

The sections behind the facade which were built following bomb damage in the Second World War will be demolished and rebuilt to make the most of the available space.

The project will also include a new home for the Liverpool Record Office, housing some of the city’s most historic treasures from the past 800 years – such as the original 1207 charter – in the most secure and up-to-date storage.

Of course, none of this can be achieved without disruption. If work begins on schedule, the building will close next June, and it will take three months to empty completely before the redevelopment can begin.

But, at a time when the funding of public libraries has become such a thorny issue – witness the uproar which greeted Wirral’s closure plans – such investment has to be commended.

Source: Liverpool Daily Post (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/views/liverpool-daily-post/2009/10/30/library-plans-show-vision-92534-25048881/)

I'd like to see a good quality cappuccino bar where books can be taken for a read over a coffee.

the 'dowdy' parts of the building are still quality. Looks like we'll be making the same mistakes as we did in the 50s' and 60s' and getting rid of all that antwaky 50s' styling for some nice, new modern stuff, which will itself be out of date in 10 years.

well whatever it looks like it will be a welcome improvement on what is a tired facility.

Just the same old same old!

23/08/2005
New £50m chapter for Central Library
Liverpool's famous Picton Reading Room is to be renovated after the government approved extra money for the redevelopment of Central Library.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has awarded Liverpool an extra £16.4 million to finance the scheme through PFI.

This in addition to the massive £31.5 million announced last year, takes the total awarded to almost £50 million.

It means the city council will be able to restore the Picton, Hornby and Oak reading rooms to their former glory, and put more of Liverpool's fabulous rare book and archive collection on display.

This is in addition to the radical remodeling of the Central Library, for which funding has already been secured, including an 18,000 square metre library and archive centre, stunning new entrance and space for 250 public computers.

Previously the extra work had been dependent on a successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Councillor Warren Bradley, executive member for leisure and culture, said: "This is brilliant news for one of the oldest public libraries in Britain.

"It will enable us to transform it into one of the best libraries in the country while at the same time ensuring it's preserved for future generations.

"The extra money is a tremendous vote of confidence in the scheme from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. It is clear that they understand the central role of the library in the culture of Liverpool."

Once completed, the Central Library will become one of the key buildings in the city's World Heritage
site, with customer numbers expected to rise from 600,000 to over 1 million a year.

Joyce Little, Head of Libraries and Information Services, said: ''This news means we will be have a Central Library fit for the 21st century.

"It will not only be a major resource for the city but will also help attract tourists from around the world.''

Work is expected to begin on the library in 2006.

FACT FILE

The new Central Library will include:

New public library space
New children's library
Young people's chill out zone
10,000 more books
7 miles of archives
New public library space
A visitor centre with café and coffee shop
New meeting space
Restored Picton, Hornby and Oak Rooms
Rare books and archives on display
DID YOU KNOW?

The Central Library archives include letters from Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, Disraeli, Gladstone, Florence Nightingale and George Stephenson

The foundation stone for Central Library was laid in 1852 and it was one of the first in the country

Former staff include writer Ramsey Campbell and former Coronation Street star Jean Alexander (Hilda Ogden)

People of every age use Central Library - with members as young as 7 months and as old as 101 years!

Almost half of Liverpool's libraries have been refurbished or replaced in the last 5 years
ENDS

23/11/2004
Green light for new Central Library
The biggest government-backed library development in the country has been given the green light.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has awarded Liverpool City Council more than £31.5 million through PFI to revamp Central Library on William Brown Street, and transform it by the time the city is European Capital of Culture 2008.

The scheme will see a radical remodeling of the Central Library that will preserve the heritage of the building, and include a stunning new entrance, 18,000 square metre library and space for 250 public computers - double the present number.

Councillor Warren Bradley, Executive Member for Leisure and Culture, said: "We are set to open a new chapter in the Central Library story, and I am absolutely delighted.

"By 2008, we will have a 21st Century library and archive with the Walker Art Gallery, new museum and the refurbished St George's Hall all within a stones throw of each other - and located within a World Heritage site! No other city can offer as much culture on one street."

The scheme also includes:

. A visitor centre with café and coffee shop
. New children's library
. Young people's chill out zones
. 10,000 more books
. 7 miles of archives
. New meeting space

Once completed, the Central Library will become one of the key buildings in the city's World Heritage site, with customer numbers expected to rise from 600,000 to over 1 million a year.

Previously, the city council had only secured enough PFI 'credits' to fund part of the rebuilding, with the remaining money dependant upon a successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Today's announcement means all of the building work will be funded through PFI, and the historic library transformed in time for European Capital of Culture, 2008.

A revised application will now be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to fund the display of the city's fabulous rare book and archive collection, and carry out renovations to the circular Picton Library. A decision is expected next summer.

Joyce Little, Head of Libraries and Information Services, said: ''This news means we will be have a Central Library fit for the 21st century.

"It will not only be a major resource for the city but will also help attract tourists from around the world.''

Subject to the business plan being approved by the DCMS, work is expected to begin on the two-year redesign in 2006.

ENDS

Plans for library revamp unveiled

Work on the long-planned redevelopment of Liverpool's historic Central Library will finally begin in 2010.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46636000/jpg/_46636723_library_entrance226.jpg
The library will be brought into the 21st Century, the council says

Images of how the £50m transformation will look have been released by the city council after it named its preferred developer.

Inspire Partnership will oversee the restoration of the Grade II listed building, as well as the redevelopment of its post-war extensions.

Council leader Warren Bradley said it would create a "21st Century facility".

Central Library, on William Brown Street, has gradually fallen into disrepair over many decades and suffers from damp and a leaking roof.

'Stunning' building

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46636000/jpg/_46636725_library_outside226.jpg
A "literary walkway" will lead up to the entrance

Under the scheme, the listed parts of the building which date back to 1850 will be restored to their former glory.

The sections behind the façade - which were built in the 1950s and 1970s following World War II bomb damage - will be demolished and rebuilt.

The project includes a new home for the Liverpool Record Office, which contains some of the city's most historic treasures from the last 800 years - including its original 1207 charter.

Council leader Warren Bradley said: "This is the biggest ever single investment in the city's library service and will create a stunning building the whole city can be proud of.

"This scheme will enable us to upgrade and restore the much-loved historic parts of the building, creating a first-class 21st century facility which is right at the heart of the city's cultural quarter."

The plans include a new forecourt with outside cafe space, a rooftop terrace, meeting rooms and a 24-hour drop off point for books.

A "literary carpet" featuring the names of famous books will lead the way to the entrance, and the stonework and masonry will be restored and specially lit at night to complement the library among its neighbours including St George's Hall, the Walker Art Gallery, and World Museum Liverpool.

The building is due to close in June 2010, and will take three months to empty completely before construction work starts.

A full planning application will be made on 23 November followed by a public consultation.

Source: BBC NEWS (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/8333297.stm)

£50m transformation for Liverpool’s Central Library (VIDEO)
Oct 30 2009
By Staff Reporter

THIS is how Liverpool’s historic Central Library is set to look after a massive £50m refurbishment.

Liverpool council today named its preferred bidder to develop the scheme, bringing it a step closer to reality.

These pictures show the incredible transformation planned.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7BIpIp1gU-o&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7BIpIp1gU-o&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

The plans include a new forecourt with outside cafe space, a rooftop terrace and meeting rooms.

Stonework and masonry will be restored and specially lit at night, and inside, there will be a 24-hour service for returning books and using computers and a coffee shop.

The Grade II-listed parts of the building, which date back to 1850, will be restored to their former glory, while newer extentions will be demolished completely.

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolecho/oct2009/1/8/image-1-for-50m-liverpool-library-refurbishment-plans-gallery-515238905.jpg

Architectural drawings of the refurbished Central Library, due to open in 2012.

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolecho/oct2009/0/7/image-2-for-50m-liverpool-library-refurbishment-plans-gallery-641040306.jpg http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolecho/oct2009/8/4/image-3-for-50m-liverpool-library-refurbishment-plans-gallery-588911201.jpg
http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolecho/oct2009/9/9/image-4-for-50m-liverpool-library-refurbishment-plans-gallery-432547379.jpg http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolecho/oct2009/0/3/image-5-for-50m-liverpool-library-refurbishment-plans-gallery-995697438.jpg

There will be a soundproof "games pod" for teenagers, and wi-fi connection and downloading facilities.

Liverpool Records Office – the biggest outside London – will be expanded to accommodate a further 20 years of acquisitions, in state-of-the- art protective facilities.

It already houses some 14km of archives, including the original King John’s Charter which made Liverpool a city in 1207.

The restored library will open again in 2012.

Inspire Partnership was named as the preferred developer, part of a collective which includes key investor International Public Partnerships.

The library is scheduled to close in June 2010 and will take three months to empty.

The council is about to finalise an arrangement with another central location to keep facilities accessible to the public throughout its closure.

A full planning application will be made on November 23, and a four-week public consultation event will be held in Central Library throughout December.

Source: Liverpool Echo (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2009/10/30/50m-transformation-for-liverpool-s-central-library-100252-25050591/)

look...no books!

Source: Liverpool Echo (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2009/10/30/50m-transformation-for-liverpool-s-central-library-100252-25050591/)

I wouldn't mind seeing some floor plans of the building. I guess I have never realised that the section of the Museum building to the right hand side of the portico belongs to the Library.

Seems like a lot of the new building will be given over to circulation space and there are references to the new Museum of Liverpool but then what we have at the moment is a building that looks really interesting from the outside but gives way to a rather bland modern building on the inside with little clues as to the magnificent rooms it contains such as the Reading Room and the Hornby Library. So I don't think that a dramatic atrium is out of place.

Friday, 30 October 2009
Liverpool Central Library the Violation Begins

Well they have ruined the museum in William Brown Street part of the World Heritage Site, turning it into the Wacky Warehouse so why not destroy the Central Library and make it look like an Azda supermarket. It makes sense. Every little helps.

Continues (http://liverpoolpreservationtrust.blogspot.com/2009/10/liverpool-central-library-violation.html) >>

Continues (http://liverpoolpreservationtrust.blogspot.com/2009/10/liverpool-central-library-violation.html) >>
Ugh, there's always one. :ohno:

I swear to god that feckin nutjob hates anything under 100 years old.

If it doesnt appear in cash in the attic, it aint worth having...

That library is currently a disgrace and this update will look fantastic.

I agree the new scheme looks pretty damn good, but I'm not a fan of the all-white colour scheme. It might look modern, but someone should tell them reading environments are much more comfortable with dark walls, to increase the contrast between the surroundings and the page. Its counter-intuitive I know, but its been shown that lighting requirements increased dramatically when bright walls became fashionable, as extra light needs to be added to increase the contrast between the black type and the white page, light reflecting from the walls is what you DONT want.

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolecho/oct2009/7/7/image-7-for-50m-liverpool-library-refurbishment-plans-gallery-729910878.jpg


http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolecho/oct2009/5/5/image-8-for-50m-liverpool-library-refurbishment-plans-gallery-343223280.jpg


http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolecho/oct2009/6/1/image-9-for-50m-liverpool-library-refurbishment-plans-gallery-758734644.jpg


http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolecho/oct2009/9/9/image-10-for-50m-liverpool-library-refurbishment-plans-gallery-26983985.jpg


http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolecho/oct2009/2/9/image-6-for-50m-liverpool-library-refurbishment-plans-gallery-907290561.jpg

look...no books!

I had a look around the new Shepherds Bush Library at Westfield shopping centre - the books have all but disappeared, it's more style over substance.


TrBmu_sd7FM

^^

Hammersmith and Fulham have their own YouTube page - could be an idea for the councils in the Liverpool area to publicise council services.




.

Central Library and Archive Redevelopment

ONE of the biggest library redevelopments in the UK has moved a major step closer.

Liverpool City Council has chosen Inspire Partnership for the £50 million Liverpool Central Library and Archive PFI contract, following an exhaustive Europe-wide search for a blue chip development partner.

The successful contractor - which beat off competition from three other short listed organisations - is a joint venture between Amber Infrastructure and Shepherd Construction.

Today, the first stunning images of the new-look building were released and it was announced that work is due to start next summer.

http://www.liverpool.gov.uk/Images/outside_tcm21-166304.jpg http://www.liverpool.gov.uk/Images/GROUND-FLOOR_tcm21-166291.jpg http://www.liverpool.gov.uk/Images/1ST-FLOOR_tcm21-166290.jpg

Central Library - which is located in the heart of Liverpool's cultural quarter on William Brown Street - has gradually fallen into disrepair over many decades. It suffers from damp and a leaking roof.

http://www.liverpool.gov.uk/Images/picton-lib-with-audubon_tcm21-166328.jpg

Under the scheme, the Grade II listed parts of the building which date back to 1850, including the façade and famous Picton, Hornby and Oak Reading Rooms, will be restored to their former glory.

The sections behind the façade which were built in the 1950s and 1970s following World War Two bomb damage will be demolished and rebuilt to make the most of the available space. The new library will be open and inviting giving the public access to enhanced facilities in a landmark building.

Council leader Warren Bradley said: "This is the biggest ever single investment in the city's library service and will create a stunning building the whole city can be proud of. A tremendous amount of work has gone into getting to this stage and the Project Board looked extremely carefully at each of the bids before making a recommendation. This scheme will enable us to upgrade and restore the much loved historic parts of the building, creating a first-class 21st century facility which is right at the heart of the city's cultural quarter. It will transform Central Library into a place where reading and learning is exciting and stimulating, and provide a new home for books, which will remain at the heart of the service."

The project will include a new home for the Liverpool Record Office which will house some of the city's most historic treasures from the last 800 years - such as the original 1207 charter - in purpose built secure, climate controlled storage.

There will also be state-of-the-art IT facilities which will allow young people to download music and games onto MP3 and MP4 players, with wi-fi and access to computers.

The new look library will also include:


New entrance to main library, including front and rear access
Re-opening of historic internal entrances to the Picton Reading Room
Five new floors with capacity for 20 years of new archive space
New conservation studio for repairs to the city's masterpieces
Dedicated room to John James Audubon's Birds of America
New rooftop terrace overlooking St. John's Gardens
Better access including escalators, lifts, toilets, meeting rooms and café
The re-opening of the International Library which will become a children's zone
Doubling the number of public computers
The building is due to close in June 2010, and will take three months to empty completely before construction work commences.

Joyce Little, Head of Liverpool's Libraries and Information Service, said: "The historic parts of the building are magnificent, and this scheme will enable us to restore them to their former glory. The two redevelopments that took place after the Second World War do not fit together very well and it is hard for people to find their way around the building. This much-needed scheme gives us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform the building into one of the best libraries in the country. I am delighted with the quality of the successful bid, and we are now preparing in earnest to empty the building and move the project forward."

Mike Leto from Inspire Partnership said: "The Inspire Partnership team is truly proud to have been awarded this opportunity to deliver a world class library experience for the City of Liverpool and to contribute an outstanding feature of historical, aesthetic and cultural importance to the Liverpool landscape."

Culture Minister Margaret Hodge, who will be publishing a policy review of the public library service next month, said: "Liverpool's plans for a new Central Library look brilliant to me. By refurbishing the beautiful 19th century facade and the historic reading rooms, while creating brand new spaces and facilities inside, the people of Liverpool will get the best of both worlds, and set a great example to the rest of the country of how a really effective 21st century library service can look."

A planning application will be made on November 26 and a four week public consultation event will be held in Central Library throughout December.

If you have any comments on the Central Library Redevelopment Scheme you can fill in an online feedback form here (http://achieveforms.liverpool.gov.uk/AF3/an/default.aspx/RenderForm/?F.Name=EfM1jT6LP_Q)

Useful FAQs (http://www.liverpool.gov.uk/Leisure_and_culture/Libraries/World_Discovery_Centre/FAQ.asp)

Source: Liverpool City Council (http://www.liverpool.gov.uk/Leisure_and_culture/Libraries/World_Discovery_Centre/index.asp)

I have given this some thought and come to the conclusion tha I don't like this scheme. The outside is ok as I agree the entrance needs to be improved, but the inside looks like a shopping mall. There also seems to be this obsession with technology but very few books!

Well they seriously need to upgrade the childrens bit of thge library so I'm glad they're doing so. I take my 6 year old daughter to William Brown St because she loves the Walker Art Gallery and the Museum but the library is a let down with battered old books and 4 computers that never work

I will actually miss the post war feel of that building, very Pevsner.

:old:

I agree. It is all quality stuff too, so I think a restoration, rather than an elimination of the interior decor would be more appropriate.

I don't like it, it looks like the interior of Debenhams.

It does remind me of all the PFI hospitals I suppose, but to be fair, it is bright and modern looking and that is what it needs to be. The current library is an absolute joke.

Why do you say that? I love Central Library. I use it more than my local library.

It is falling apart in some places, the corridors around the toilets absolutely stink, the use of strange mezzanines and narrow staircases is really inaccessible, the lack of natural light and the prevalence of low ceilings. Those are my main gripes.

Other than that, it just looks dated and gives the impression of a used ashtray.

A great facility tragically let down by the building it is in. Hopefully they will be gutting most of it and really getting it up to standard.

They could do a lot worse than the new Newcastle Library. The inside is extremely well put together and the user numbers have shot up since it opened recently.

http://www.designinglibraries.org.uk/view/index.php?id=45473a3850d34

Libaries should smell deeply musty and be patrolled by stern lavender smelling ladies of indestinguishable age and pearl neclaces with a glower that can kill a cough from twenty yards. When she murmours `tut` be prepared to hang your head close to the grafitti marked tables, last used in VE day celebrations -externally in a show of civic rejoicing and counted back in one by one at the end of that day. (Funny, there`s your Dads name inside a cupids bow alongside your aunty Florries? Didn`t she move just after the war?) Please don`t let the dust make me sneeze! Oh Sh*t......

Boll*cks, it was the Cafe` Latte.

Tut! :)

`The joy of s*x`down a side aisle will never be quite the same.

They could do a lot worse than the new Newcastle Library. The inside is extremely well put together and the user numbers have shot up since it opened recently.

http://www.designinglibraries.org.uk/view/index.php?id=45473a3850d34

There is a good new one in Cardiff as well

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Not to sure of this colour scheme!

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/3323/centrallibrary8.jpg (http://img94.imageshack.us/i/centrallibrary8.jpg/)


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I like the idea of the outdoor seating area on the roof,that's the best part of it for me.

I love that lightwell too. Lots of high ceiling spaces, the opposite of how it is right now

A book free zone.

I own thousands of pieces of literature, from history to science fiction. However, I own few books. They are all held digitally.

There are a fair few booksin those pics, but those realy show the more innovative parts of the building. We know what the traditional parts will look like, so I guess they promoters wanted to focus the images elsewhere.

Books are only part of a library now. I'd like to see a point where people with Palms and digital books etc can walk up and download a book on loan.

I own thousands of pieces of literature, from history to science fiction. However, I own few books. They are all held digitally.

There are a fair few booksin those pics, but those realy show the more innovative parts of the building. We know what the traditional parts will look like, so I guess they promoters wanted to focus the images elsewhere.

Books are only part of a library now. I'd like to see a point where people with Palms and digital books etc can walk up and download a book on loan.


Hi mate. Personally I don't think IT will ever replace books. IT is great for holding information but I don't believe that reading from something electronic sparks the same mental process as reading from a book. The library needs computers but last time I was there I was suprised to see most people sitting at terminals instead of reading all of the richness that surrounded them.

True. I love reading in the bath and don't want to electrocute myself, so I still do get books too.

There is so much more to libraries now, but I still cringe when they start calling them things like Learning Resource Centres.

electronic book porno... not a healthy prospect, on a number of levels!

Central Library, Liverpool by Austin-Smith:Lord
9 November, 2009 | By Hayley Chivers

[FIRST LOOK] This is the new £50m ‘mega-library’ for Liverpool, which will update earlier developments from the 1850s and 1950s

http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/pictures/576x432fitpad[0]/9/5/5/1214955_Central_Library___Aerial_View_from_South_West.jpg
Liverpool Central Library - aerial view from South West

http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/pictures/576x432fitpad[0]/9/5/6/1214956_Central_Library___Entrance_Forecourt.jpg
Liverpool Central Library - entrance forecourt

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Liverpool Central Library - North elevation repository

http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/pictures/576x432fitpad[0]/9/6/4/1214964_Central_Library___Entrance_Atrium.jpg
Liverpool Central Library - Entrance Atrium

http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/pictures/576x432fitpad[0]/9/6/5/1214965_Central_Library___Picton_Hall_Discovery_Zone.jpg
Liverpool Central Library - Picton Hall Discovery Zone

Austin-Smith:Lord’s proposal includes the renovation of the existing Grade II listed Central Library which has fallen into disrepair in recent decades. The new £50m ‘mega-library’ will feature a new main entrance, improved street and internal accessibility, a new rooftop atrium and terrace, light wells at the front and rear for natural daylighting plus re-opened conservation facilities.

The 1850s facade and celebrated Picton, Hornby and Oak reading rooms will also be restored.

Warren Bradley, Liverpool council leader said: ‘This is the biggest ever single investment in the city’s library service and will create a stunning building the whole city can be proud of.

‘It will transform Central Library into a place where reading and learning is exciting and stimulating, and provide a new home for books, which will remain at the heart of the service.’

Alongside the more traditional library functions, the development promises to house the 14km of archives and 800 years of historic documents at the Liverpool Record Office in a purpose-built climate controlled storage.

Joyce Little, Head of Liverpool’s Libraries and Information Service, said ‘The two redevelopments that took place after the Second World War do not fit together very well and it is hard for people to find their way around the building.

‘This much-needed scheme gives us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform the building into one of the best libraries in the country.

‘I am delighted with the quality of the successful bid, and we are now preparing in earnest to empty the building and move the project forward.’

A planning application is due for submission on 23 November 2009 and the project is planned to start on site in Liverpool in June 2010.

Source: The Architects' Journal (http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/daily-news/central-library-liverpool-by-austin-smithlord/5210533.article#)

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/7884/centrallibrary12.jpg (http://img199.imageshack.us/i/centrallibrary12.jpg/)


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http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/2919/centrallibrary15.jpg (http://img687.imageshack.us/i/centrallibrary15.jpg/)

Interesting. I wouldn't mind a bit more Louvre and a little less Queen's Square, although the penultimate pic looks better because it makes the domed top of the atrium seem less squat.

As in this one:

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/8220/centrallibrary14.jpg (http://img687.imageshack.us/i/centrallibrary14.jpg/)

^^

Just realised it's a finished facade and not a cut through. Hardly going to win any prizes for innovation to understate it. Maybe the glass dome is its, erm, 'iconic signature'? A bit too 'uni' for my taste but perhaps it's more about function dictating form and getting people into the library by making it seem accessible*


*Bland

£50m Liverpool Library scheme goes on show to public
by Nick Webster. Published Tue 15 Dec 2009 12:27

http://admin.clickliverpool.class-media.co.uk/admin/article/articleimages/1260880687-Library.jpg
Liverpool Central Library

Plans for the £50m redevelopment of Liverpool Central Library are to be laid out for the public to view in new exhibition in the run-down to the start of the project next summer.

People are being being invited to take a closer look at the details one of the biggest library redevelopments in the UK in a special exhibition at the library.

The exhibition, which forms part of the consultation process for the planning application, comes just six weeks after the council appointed Inspire Partnership to manage the PFI-funded contract.

Inspire Partnership, a joint venture between Amber Infrastructure and Shepherd Construction, have helped create the exhibition which includes detailed images and a digital flythrough of the new look library. It is expected to run until at least the end of January 2010.

Plans for the Central Library, which currently suffers from damp and a leaking roof will see the full restoration of the Grade II listed parts of the building, which date back to 1850, and the famous Hornby Library and Oak Reading Rooms being fully open to the public for the first time.

The sections behind the façade which were built in the 1950s and 1970s following World War II bomb damage will be demolished and rebuilt to make the most of the available space. The new library will be open and inviting giving the public access to enhanced facilities in a landmark building.

Council leader Warren Bradley said: “This is one of the UK’s most celebrated public libraries and we want the public to be at our side every step of the way in making it one of the best. The scale of this project means we will have to relocate and in some cases temporarily close some services and its important our users help us to make this transition as smooth as possible.’’

Staff will begin emptying Central Library in the new year, once its temporary new home is secured, and have already been undertaking the biggest review of the library’s collections in 40 years. The review, which has involved more than a dozen staff and external advisors, also includes a major programme to electronically catalogue the entire collection and digitise the city’s rare archives.

Once completed the library will begin selling outdated stock that will have been first offered to other libraries and independently verified by industry experts as having no cultural, educational or historical value and that will have not been requested by the public for at least a decade.

The revamped Central Library will also include a new home for the Liverpool Record Office which will house 14km of archives and some of the city’s most historic treasures from the last 800 years - such as the original 1207 charter - in purpose built secure, climate controlled storage.

There will also be state-of-the-art IT facilities which will allow young people to download music and games onto MP3 and MP4 players, with wi-fi and access to computers.

Other new elements include:

* New repository with capacity for 20 years of additional archive storage space

* New entrance to main library, including a ‘literary pavement’ and front and rear access

* Five new floors with better access including escalators, lifts, toilets, meeting rooms and café

* New conservation studio for repairs to the city’s masterpieces

* New rooftop Atrium and terrace overlooking St.John’s Gardens

* Re-opening of historic internal entrances to the Picton Reading Room

* Re-opening of International Library, to original design, as a new children’s zone

* Dedicated room to John James Audubon’s celebrated book - Birds of America

* Doubling the number of public computers

* New light well’s at front and rear to allow library to be naturally lit

* New 24 hour on-street, drop-off book service

The building is due to close in June 2010, and will take three months to empty completely before construction work commences.

Source: Click Liverpool (http://www.clickliverpool.com/culture/culture/127223-%C3%8250m-liverpool-library-scheme-goes-on-show-to-public.html)

Plans for £50m Liverpool Central Library go on show in new exhibition
Dec 16 2009
by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/ldp2/dec2009/2/1/liverpool-central-library-plans-942886387.jpg

AN EXHIBITION showing how Liverpool Central Library could look in 2012 has gone on display.

Liverpool City Council has opened the exhibition to keep the public up-to-date on the planned £50m transformation.

The exhibition will remain at the library, on William Brown Street, until January, 2010.

Plans for the Central Library, which currently suffers from damp and a leaking roof, will see the full restoration of the Grade II-listed parts of the building, which date back to 1850.

The famous Hornby Library and Oak Reading Rooms will be fully open to the public for the first time.

The sections behind the facade, which were built in the 1950s and 1970s, following World War II bomb damage, will be demolished and rebuilt to make the most of the available space.

Council leader Warren Bradley said: “This is one of the UK’s most celebrated public libraries.

“We want the public to be at our side every step of the way in making it one of the best.

“The scale of this project means we will have to relocate and in some cases temporarily close some services, and it’s important our users help us to make this transition as smooth as possible.’’

Liverpool Record Office, which houses 14km of archives and historic treasures from the last 800 years, such as the original 1207 Charter, will move into a purpose built, climate controlled room.

There will be a soundproof “games pod” for teenagers, and Wi-Fi connection and downloading facilities.

Other new elements of the five- floor building include a rooftop atrium, cafe, new conservation studio for repairs to the city’s masterpieces and a dedicated room to John James Audubon’s celebrated book – Birds of America. Externally, the new library will have a new entrance including a “literary pavement”, and front and rear access, and will be lit by natural light.

Continues (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2009/12/16/plans-for-50m-liverpool-central-library-go-on-show-in-new-exhibition-92534-25400650/2/) >>

The planning applications are in -

Application Number - 09L/2618
Site Address - Central Liverpool Library, William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EW
Proposal - To demolish 1950's and 1970's library extension building to rear of retained historic William Brown Street facade and carry out refurbishment and alteration works to this facade, the Picton Library, Hornby Library and Oak Room and Clayton Stack, in connection with the provision of a new library.
Applicant - Inspire

Application Number - 09F/2617
Site Address - Liverpool Central Library, William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EW
Proposal - To erect new library building to rear of retained William Brown Street facade following the demolition of the 1950's and 1970's library extension building and carry out associated refurbishment and alteration works.
Applicant - Inspire

it mentions the William Brown Street facade will be restored, would that mean the front of the building will be cleaned as well? I'd love to see William Brown Street getting cleaned up and restored, and the awful paving fixed or replaced too.

Liverpool Central Library

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4737 carlin (http://www.flickr.com/photos/4737carlin/sets/72157601843238917/) on Flickr

I don't think I've ever seen the Hornby or Oak reading rooms which they mention they're going to restore, got any pics?

See www.civichalls.liverpool.gov.uk/centrallibrary (http://www.civichalls.liverpool.gov.uk/centrallibrary/index.asp)

Plans for Liverpool’s Central Library set to get approval
Jan 6 2010
by David Bartlett, Liverpool Echo

PLANS to revamp Liverpool’s historic Central Library are set to be officially approved next week.

Councillors are being recommended to pass the £50m refurbishment of the building in William Brown Street.

Today Liverpool Council leader Warren Bradley said he wanted the revamped building to be a flagship that the city could be proud of.

The plans include a new forecourt with outside cafe space, a rooftop terrace and meeting rooms.

Stonework and masonry will be restored and specially lit at night, and inside, there will be a 24-hour service for returning books and using computers and a coffee shop.

The Grade II-listed parts of the building, which date back to 1850, will be restored to their former glory, while newer extensions will be demolished completely.

There will be a soundproof “games pod” for teenagers and Wi-Fi connection and downloading facilities.

Liverpool Records Office – the biggest outside London – will be expanded to accommodate a further 20 years of acquisitions, in state-of-the-art protective facilities.

It already houses some 14km of archives, including the original King John’s Charter which made Liverpool a city in 1207.

A report to the planning committee states that officials are satisfied that the work is appropriate for a building of such importance.

The report said: “The proposed works to the historic fabric of the buildings are considered to be entirely appropriate to this important civic building.

“The new build elements, including the new atrium and domed roof light and new building elevations to the rear, relate well to the surrounding buildings and general area and will be of sufficiently high quality to ensure it contributes positively to the William Brown Street Conservation Area and World Heritage Site.”

Councillors will vote on the proposals on Tuesday and are expected to grant approval.

Cllr Bradley said: “Libraries are fundamental to our vision of empowering and educating people in Liverpool and we have made huge investment in our Library Service so that it can best meet the needs of our communities in the 21st Century.”

Source: Liverpool Echo (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2010/01/06/plans-for-liverpool-s-central-library-set-to-get-approval-100252-25533653/)

Good news. Wish it was done earlier but better late than never.

Liverpool Central Library

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http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1020/1419770653_e835add2ff.jpg

4737 carlin (http://www.flickr.com/photos/4737carlin/sets/72157601843238917/) on Flickr


They should rip all of this out and put computer terminals in, I mean what use are old books these days when laptops hold so much more information. Whilst they are at it paint it white and rip out those winding stairs I mean how could disabled people use them so un pc.

Your wish is their command...

They should rip all of this out and put computer terminals in, I mean what use are old books these days when laptops hold so much more information. Whilst they are at it paint it white and rip out those winding stairs I mean how could disabled people use them so un pc.

Have spent many a happy (well as happy as you can be studying) preparing for exams in this part of library...wot a gem!

I think he was being sarcastic!

Yup!!

Has anyone got any pictures of the International Library (underneath the Reading Room). I remember going in there when I was a kid but have forgotten what it looked like.

Liverpool 'mega-library' set to win green light
11 January, 2010 | By Hayley Chivers

http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/pictures/576x432fitpad[0]/9/5/5/1214955_Central_Library___Aerial_View_from_South_West.jpg
Liverpool Central Library - aerial view from South West

http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/pictures/576x432fitpad[0]/9/5/6/1214956_Central_Library___Entrance_Forecourt.jpg
Liverpool Central Library - entrance forecourt

http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/pictures/576x432fitpad[0]/9/5/7/1214957_Central_Library___North_Elevation_Repository.jpg
Liverpool Central Library - North elevation repository

http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/pictures/576x432fitpad[0]/9/6/4/1214964_Central_Library___Entrance_Atrium.jpg
Liverpool Central Library - Entrance Atrium

http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/pictures/576x432fitpad[0]/9/6/5/1214965_Central_Library___Picton_Hall_Discovery_Zone.jpg
Liverpool Central Library - Picton Hall Discovery Zone

Austin-Smith:Lord’s plans to overhaul Liverpool’s Central Library are expected to be given the go-ahead tomorrow (12 January).

City councillors are being recommended to approve the plans for a £50 million ‘mega-library,’ which will update earlier developments from the 1850s and 1950s.

In a report to the planning committee, officers said: ‘The proposed works to the historic fabric of the buildings are considered to be entirely appropriate to this important civic building.

‘The new build elements – including the new atrium and domed roof light and new building elevations to the rear – relate well to the surrounding buildings and general area and will be of sufficiently high quality to ensure it contributes positively to the William Brown Street Conservation Area and World Heritage Site.’

Austin-Smith:Lord’s proposal comprises the renovation of the existing Grade-II listed Central Library, which has fallen into disrepair in recent decades. The refurbishment will feature a new main entrance, improved street and internal accessibility, a new rooftop atrium and terrace, light wells at the front and rear for natural daylighting plus re-opened conservation facilities.

The 1850s facade and celebrated Picton, Hornby and Oak reading rooms will also be restored.

Alongside the more traditional library functions, the development promises to house the 14km of archives and 800 years of historic documents at the Liverpool Record Office in a purpose-built climate controlled storage.

Councillors will vote on the proposals tomorrow (12 January). A planning application was submitted on 23 November 2009 and the project is planned to start on site in Liverpool in June 2010.

Source: The Architects' Journal (http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/daily-news/liverpool-mega-library-set-to-win-green-light/5210533.article)

I wish the colour scheme and the over use of super graphics for the interiors was not so bright and lurid, too many public Library's go down this route yet miss the point that this is a place of learning not a playschool. It's very unsophisticated approach to what in essense is a good scheme, with a bit of tweaking it could be a great library.

I wish the colour scheme and the over use of super graphics for the interiors was not so bright and lurid, too many public Library's go down this route yet miss the point that this is a place of learning not a playschool. It's very unsophisticated approach to what in essense is a good scheme, with a bit of tweaking it could be a great library.

I do agree that the last internal render does look hideous. Kids don't need to be overstimulated with hundreds of bright colours, they need their imaginations sparked by reading great books, surely that's what a library is about. I remember being totally awed as a little lad going to Central Library, it all seemed so grand and ancient, there was a real sense of reverence about it, like you were entering somewhere sacred. Now I know that it's all about the 'interactive multimedia learning experience' but look what that did to the World Museum! Stupifiying education is not the way forward with exhibits, neither should it be with libraries.

All in all though, I'm very pleased that the rest of this is going ahead, the library has needed some TLC for a very long time now!

I find the graphics saying 'read' and ' help point' just look like it's designed for the illiterate people. It's just lazy architecture, trying to make something look interesting by throwing silly motifs everywhere hiding the fact that they really havent considered it fully. I think using colour can be good sometimes good but It has to be done with some restraint in a space where it's a place of learning and as tom say's its stupefying education not making it something serious, which it is.

We need more roof gardens in the city - this place would make a good start:

http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/pictures/576x432fitpad[0]/9/5/5/1214955_Central_Library___Aerial_View_from_South_West.jpg

£50m Central Library plan approved by Liverpool planners
Jan 13 2010
Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL city centre will have a temporary library while the Central Library is closed for 2½ years for a £50m redevelopment.

City officials said it was important that a presence was maintained to make sure the spirit of Central Library was kept alive during its closure.

Yesterday, the project passed a key milestone when the revamp was given planning permission and listed building consent by the city’s planning committee.

The plans include a new forecourt with outside cafe space, a rooftop terrace and meeting rooms.

Stonework and masonry will be restored and specially lit at night and, inside, there will be a 24-hour service for returning books and using computers and a coffee shop.

The Grade II-listed parts of the building, which date back to 1850, will be restored to their former glory, while newer extensions will be demolished completely.

There will be a soundproof “games pod” for teenagers and Wi-Fi connection and downloading facilities.

Liverpool Records Office – the biggest outside London – will be expanded to accommodate a further 20 years of acquisitions in state-of-the-art protective facilities.

Continues (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2010/01/13/50m-central-library-plan-approved-by-liverpool-planners-92534-25587520/2/) >>

There will be a soundproof “games pod” for teenagers

Because as we all know, teenagers can't read, and the last thing we want to do in library is encourage them to look at books! What we need to do is create their own living room environment in a library, with their own soundproof pods, so that they don't get distracted by the sound of all that rustling paper of other people reading... ffs! :bash:

Good that the rest of it has been approved though. :cheers:

I wish the colour scheme and the over use of super graphics for the interiors was not so bright and lurid, too many public Library's go down this route yet miss the point that this is a place of learning not a playschool. It's very unsophisticated approach to what in essense is a good scheme, with a bit of tweaking it could be a great library.

Totally agree Delores. An intelligent and artistic interior design would make a world of difference to this building.

If people need to have two foot high signs in words of no more than one syllable I doubt they will be that much interested in books anyway.

The irony is that these dumbed down signs and garish colours lead you to the splendour of the Picton Reading Room - built in an era when architects took a less condescending view of the people who use their buildings.

Totally agree Delores. An intelligent and artistic interior design would make a world of difference to this building.

If people need to have two foot high signs in words of no more than one syllable I doubt they will be that much interested in books anyway.

The irony is that these dumbed down signs and garish colours lead you to the splendour of the Picton Reading Room - built in an era when architects took a less condescending view of the people who use their buildings.

Its a very PC kind of new Labour or shall we say old Labour interior and as you say atleast the Picton Reading room had some sense of decency and intelligence. An interior should show the pleasure of knowledge and how wonderful it can be, not downgrade into some sort of stupid transient kind of place that applys to people who have no intention of learning.

We all feel the same thing - when does it have to look so awfully bright?

It might come as a surprise to hear - then again it might not - its actually a lot easier to read text in a space which has dark, matt finishes and a dark colour scheme. Brightly coloured walls increase glare, so more electric lighting is needed to give more contrast to the page and reduce the strain on the eyes. You'd find it easier to read a book but candle-light than you would read one in the space we see above.

Traditionally architects have been in tune with this fact and designed libraries (and pretty much any space where reading is involved) with lots of dark wood, stone, leather, and a warm colour scheme (imagine that old office with green felt, reds, golds, browns - it all lent itself to this purpose).


So, given that bright white plastered walls actually go against the functional requirements of libraries (never mind the aesthetic!), why do architects of today persist in going for the modern 'look'? Who knows!

I think a lot of people feel the same way about the library, do you think there's any way we could petition a change in the plan?

The internal decoration is only indicative remember. They don't need planning permission to change the carpets! As such, the likelyhood is the result with be different. Also, if the developers haven't bought all their internal stuff yet, they could be persuaded to tone things down.

From the renderings that Doug and others have posted, I would say that the actual design of the new building is really good. I like those light wells the central atrium and the rooftop terrace. I think that the problem with the present building is that going through the front entrance gives you no indication of the fact that it is an important building. You see the outside with its great classical facade then go into a rather run-down office type building.

What makes or breaks a building such as this is the quality of the finishes and I hope that they are going to give full attention to that in the final design. One thing that could be deleted to save money is that pavement with names of books outside. I think most people get the idea that libraries have books in them.

From Place North West -

Start approaches for £50m library renewal

25 Jan 2010, 11:38

Construction firm Shepherd said it intends to start on site in the summer with the £50m redevelopment of Liverpool Central Library.

The plans by architects Austin-Smith:Lord were approved earlier this month by Liverpool City Council. They include restoring the Grade II-listed parts of the building which date back to 1850, including the Picton, Hornby and Oak Reading Rooms. The existing 1950s and 1970s facilities will be replaced with a new five-storey section doubling the number of public computers. There will also be a roof terrace and a new archive facility.

Article continues here - http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/5204-start-approaches-for-50m-library-renewal.html

So this is where Tesco is keeping it's secret plan to make Everton move to Kirkby?

Aah.

Totally agree Delores. An intelligent and artistic interior design would make a world of difference to this building.

If people need to have two foot high signs in words of no more than one syllable I doubt they will be that much interested in books anyway.

The irony is that these dumbed down signs and garish colours lead you to the splendour of the Picton Reading Room - built in an era when architects took a less condescending view of the people who use their buildings.

You know what the puritanically 'inclusive' reply would be to that, no matter how useless it makes the facility for the vast bulk of the public!

Liverpool Central Library to sell off books
Jun 21 2010 by Ben Schofield, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL'S refurbished Central Library will have 30,000 fewer books than before its £50m re-fit.

The library was due to close this month for two years, during which it is going to be overhauled inside.

But, to free up space, Liverpool City Council are holding a fire sale for thousands of books, many of which are being sold for as little as £1. Any un-sold books are going to be given to a "social business", which will try to sell them online. Any it cannot sell will be given away to charity shops, schools and hospitals. The council said the 30,000 titles being ditched are rarely borrowed and are no longer significant.

It said it needs the space previously taken up by the volumes to display the library's special collections and the city's archives.

Liverpool Records Office will be expanded to provide for 20 more years’ worth of documents. The restored library is set to re-open in 2012.

Source: Liverpool Daily Post (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2010/06/21/liverpool-central-library-to-sell-off-books-92534-26691563/)

Source: Liverpool Central Library (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2010/06/21/liverpool-central-library-to-sell-off-books-92534-26691563/)

Is the library refurb definitely going ahead? I guess now that everything has been moved out, it would be particularly controversial to cancel it.
Let's see what tomorrow brings.

That slimy George Osbourne is really enjoying the prospect of laying waste to public services and facilities - whenever you see him, you can see the pleasure he is anticipating :toilet:

Liverpool’s Central Library revamp given final go-ahead by Government
Jul 21 2010 by Marc Waddington, Liverpool Daily Post

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/ldp2/dec2009/2/1/liverpool-central-library-plans-942886387.jpg

GOVERNMENT chiefs and council leaders have signed the contract which secured the £50m redevelopment of Liverpool’s Central Library.

The agreement ends months of anxiety that the axe could fall on the project, given the incoming Government’s outspoken criticism of “expensive” private finance deals.

But the deal with the Treasury went ahead and, as the ink was still drying last night, council leader Cllr Joe Anderson hailed it as “the best news this year”.

The library will close on Friday so the removal of artefacts can begin.

Cllr Anderson said: “Liverpool Central Library is one of the UK’s 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 am sure the wait will be well worth it.’’

Cllr Wendy Simon, cabinet member for culture, added: “I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard over the past few years to get the funding in place to deliver this new Central Library for the people of Liverpool.

“I am delighted the contracts are signed and we look forward to working with our partners to create one of the best public libraries in the UK.’’

While the library is closed, some of its most popular items will still be available to the public at the nearby World Museum, also in William Brown Street.

The refurbishment of the library should enhance the building, which sits in a Unesco World Heritage site.

Continues (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2010/07/21/liverpool-s-central-library-revamp-given-final-go-ahead-by-government-92534-26896388/2/) >>

Liverpool library renovation finally wins go-ahead
22 July 2010 | Updated: 22 July 2010 12:33 pm | By David Rogers

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/pictures/636x441fitpad[237]/1/2/5/1672125_liverpool_library_front_view.jpg
Library Front View

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/pictures/636x441fitpad[237]/1/2/6/1672126_Central_Library_-_Second_Floor_Express_Zone.jpg
Second Floor express zone

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/pictures/636x441fitpad[237]/1/2/7/1672127_Central_Library_-_Entrance_Atrium_(3).jpg
Entrance atrium

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/pictures/636x441fitpad[237]/1/2/8/1672128_Central_Library_-_Aerial_View_from_South_West_(2).jpg
Aerial view from South West

Liverpool City Council has granted planning approval for the renovation of Liverpool’s Central Library, four years after the project was first submitted.

The £50 million scheme, by Austin-Smith Lord, includes a full restoration of the 150-year old grade II listed building.

Practice partner Chris Pritchett said: “We are obviously delighted that this crucial milestone has been achieved, particularly in the current economic climate.”

The Hornby Library and Oak Reading Rooms will be renovated and opened fully to the public for the first time, and space will be created to provide a new home for the Liverpool Record Office and its 14km of archives.

The sections behind the facade, which were built in the 1950s and 1970s following second world war bomb damage, and now suffering from damp and a leaking roof, will also be rebuilt.

Austin-Smith Lord previously worked on the FACT Centre and Bluecoats arts centres in Liverpool.

The library officially closes tomorrow for the renovation work.

Source: Building Design (http://www.bdonline.co.uk/news/liverpool-library-renovation-finally-wins-go-ahead/5003186.article)

I know I have harked on about the interior before but do they have to put a massive 'lift' supergraphic up on a lift??? do they really think people are that stupid? and in a library too.

:lol: - and the word READ, by some books.

:lol: - and the word READ, by some books.

I wonder if they'll use instructions in the toilets too?

Anyone know what date the library will close to the public?

I wonder if they'll use instructions in the toilets too?

It beggers belief. Oh and DOOR for when they approach a door :bash:

Cofely to deliver FM to the new Liverpool Central Library and Archive

Cofely is to provide a total facilities management package to the new Liverpool Central Library and Archive for a period of 25 years.

http://www.heatingandventilating.net/news/images/7592.jpg
Liverpool libraries

The funding for the £50million investment was agreed and the contracts signed in July.

This development extends Cofely's relationship with investment company Amber Infrastructure, with whom it has successfully partnered on a number of PPP and PFI schemes in the UK.

This major project involves the restoration of the Grade II listed parts of the building, which date back to 1860, with full demolition and reconstruction of areas behind the neo-classical facades. The new spaces will provide a home for the Liverpool Record Office, increased archive capacity and a range of new facilities for library users.

Liverpool City Council was keen to ensure that lifecycle issues were integrated into the design of the building. To that end, Cofely has been, from the early stages, advising on issues that will impact the ongoing facilities management, including design and infrastructure resilience, product selection, energy usage and efficiencies.

Cofely's experience of managing facilities in publicly accessible spaces and in maintaining archives, such as the British Library, has proved invaluable in this respect.

As a result of the improved facilities, Liverpool City Council will be able to exhibit one of their most valuable items for the first time.

The four volumes of The Birds of America by John James Audubon and described as the "greatest natural book ever produced", will be on show to the general public.

Cofely will ensure the library and repository are maintained to exact atmospheric and environmental conditions required by the Council, and British Standards for Repository and Archives (BS5454).

Demolition of the existing library is due to begin in autumn 2010 with construction of the new facility starting in 2011. It is expected to open at the end of 2012.

Source: HeatingandVentilating.net (http://www.heatingandventilating.net/news/news.asp?id=7592&title=Cofely+to+deliver+FM+to+the+new+Liverpool+Central+Library+and+Archive+)

'Demolition of the existing library ...'

HeatingandVentilating.net - what are they like!

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/402x239.315625/jul_10/pnw__1279701722_Central_Library_-_Aerial_View_.jpg

PFI partners named on Central Library
13 Aug 2010, 10:12

Nationwide Building Society's commercial division and German partner bank Helaba teamed up to fund the private finance initiative rebuilding of Liverpool Central Library for Liverpool City Council.

Each provided £27m for the extensive project in the middle of one of the city's six World Heritage Sites, William Brown Street next to St George's Hall.

The scheme, designed by architects Austin-Smith:Lord, will feature new visitor facilities with improved access to the book collections, as well as purpose-built facilities for Liverpool's Record Office.

The Grade 2-listed sections of the library, including the facades and the Picton, Hornby and Oak Reading Rooms, will be restored. Some sections, built to repair bomb damage from the Second World War, will be demolished and rebuilt to make the most of the available space.

The new Central Library is scheduled to reopen in late 2012. The library closed in July and in the meantime a temporary library service has opened on the second floor of the World Museum Liverpool next door.

The project is being delivered by Inspire Partnership, a joint venture between Amber Infrastructure and Shepherd Construction.

Nationwide Commercial has recently supported other projects, refinancing four separate projects comprising 48 schools in Liverpool, Kirklees, Salford and Wigan.

Source: Place North West (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/6894-pfi-partners-named-on-central-library.html)

I wanted to grab some shots before it closed, compare them at some point in the future to how it looks post development, heres a few of them

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/4737carlin/livurbex/library/mainw.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/4737carlin/livurbex/library/medicinew.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/4737carlin/livurbex/library/musicw.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/4737carlin/livurbex/library/filmsw.jpg

This glass is good but will it be staying?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/4737carlin/livurbex/library/thirdw.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/4737carlin/livurbex/library/liverbirdw.jpg

This is fantastic but i bet it dosent make the cut
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/4737carlin/livurbex/library/unbrellaw.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/4737carlin/livurbex/library/stairsw.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/4737carlin/livurbex/library/businessw.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/4737carlin/livurbex/library/workw.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/4737carlin/livurbex/library/catalougw.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/4737carlin/livurbex/library/hallw.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/4737carlin/livurbex/library/boxesw.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/4737carlin/livurbex/library/clockw.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/4737carlin/livurbex/library/trolleyw.jpg

of the library...

Reminds me of hooking-up with girls when I was meant to be revising, raiding their analogue sythesizer section, reading NME, having a generic library-perv (wearing regulation polyester jogging pants) sit opposite me in the science section and furtively masturbate in my honour, slicing pages out of books, getting Ken Dodd's autograph, and referencing shit loads of wildly random, dead good stuff from Tiffany glassware to Ugandan politics to whatever..

I'll miss it.

Also, I hate modern libraries.

There are rarely any books in them, and a sop to politcal correctness, they're never quiet.

Instead, they're now places of noise, tension, and full of S.American 4 year-olds dumped in front of plasma-screens all day whilst their mothers sod off to clean houses, or whatever.

The above renders look to be aiming for that kind of vibe, unfortunately.

Also, I hate modern libraries.

There are rarely any books in them, and a sop to politcal correctness, they're never quiet.

Instead, they're now places of noise, tension, and full of S.American 4 year-olds dumped in front of plasma-screens all day whilst their mothers sod off to clean houses, or whatever.

The above renders look to be aiming for that kind of vibe, unfortunately.

^^^^Grumpy sod :lol: i've got some nice memories of Public Libraries as well...mainly because the library was always a warm refuge on a cold day when sagging. Litherland Library in particular, i remember falling the through the ice on the canal in Bootle....couldn't go home(supposed to be at school) went to the library wth a mate and dried my clothes on the radiators:lol: We used tour the local libraries, Bootle, Seaforth, Crosby. Seaforth had a stuffed Tiger in the foyer(1977) and cabinets of stuff birds as did Crosby which must be the best Library i've been in for a place of its size. Don't go to libraries much these days, the used book market(Amazon and others) has largely made libraries superflous for me but as an ardent book collector i hate to the demise of the public library.

There are lots of great features in the 1961 part of the library, including the glass panels with the city crest and that lovely green marble. I like the bannisters and doors too. Might be a good place to film the next series of Mad Men, series 5 in which Don Draper emigrates to Liverpool to become a librarian.

I love libraries but I do wonder what the future holds if people move away from books. They will just become noisy technological centres with the books stashed away in boxes as people sit around charging their laptops and drinking coffee.

I wonder what it will look like in 50 years and if the refurbishment will be a waste long term.

Since we're coughing up central library stories here's mine. Quite a few years ago, I was walking home and it began to piss down so I took refuge in the library (I was quite soaked through and the library was over heated so I knew I would dry off in no time). Anyway, I ended up where i always used to end up - in the Picton reading room. Browsing aimlessly along the shelves I came across a book that looked as though it hadn't been picked up for several decades. It was a novel by an author whose name I didn't recognise (Yevgeny Zamyatin) so I started reading it. The story had most of the plot of Orwell's 1984 but had been published in the early 1920s. It was my first experience (I was about 13) of how 'creative' people steal others' ideas and pass them off as their own. My father laughed when I expressed my outrage and told me that plagiarism is the name of the game!

Since we're coughing up central library stories here's mine. Quite a few years ago, I was walking home and it began to piss down so I took refuge in the library (I was quite soaked through and the library was over heated so I knew I would dry off in no time). Anyway, I ended up where i always used to end up - in the Picton reading room. Browsing aimlessly along the shelves I came across a book that looked as though it hadn't been picked up for several decades. It was a novel by an author whose name I didn't recognise (Yevgeny Zamyatin) so I started reading it. The story had most of the plot of Orwell's 1984 but had been published in the early 1920s. It was my first experience (I was about 13) of how 'creative' people steal others' ideas and pass them off as their own. My father laughed when I expressed my outrage and told me that plagiarism is the name of the game!

It's always been a great winter refuge from the weather (or from long empty hours) Central Library- harshly interrupted by 9pm and closing time with the dreaded icy trip across a wind-swept St Georges Gardens, home.

Given the existential and esoteric nature of the books in the Picton reading room, there was always the need to avoid finding yourself within muttering or staring distance of deranged weirdos- there was usually one. Problem being that given the circular amplification drum acoustics of the room, every deranged weirdo was within your earshot...

NeilSatis is right about the 1961 wooden finishings- the bannisters, the ledges, etc all had a satisfying sculptural form and solidity to them in the style of their era. If they all get tossed into a bin it'll be vandalism of a sort.

I love proper, stuffy, claustrophobic libraries chock-full of books and corridors of books, and Central was that.

There was, however, something about the lighting/layout/style of the Business/Science section which, despite having books of great interest, always made me feel slightly queasy- and it wasn't that bloke in the jogging pants, though of course, he didn't help.

^^^^Grumpy sod :lol: i've got some nice memories of Public Libraries as well...mainly because the library was always a warm refuge on a cold day when sagging. Litherland Library in particular, i remember falling the through the ice on the canal in Bootle....couldn't go home(supposed to be at school)

Arf.

Many libraries, at least in London, are primarily creches now. As I say, the authority needed to maintain the original concept of the library, the enforcement of rules (silence and order being prime) has been largely ceeded in the face of ethno-cultural "sensibilites", and a (well-founded) fear of conflict by library staff.

The British Library in Euston however remains fantastic.

Arf.

Many libraries, at least in London, are primarily creches now. As I say, the authority needed to maintain the original concept of the library, the enforcement of rules (silence and order being prime) has been largely ceeded in the face of ethno-cultural "sensibilites", and a (well-founded) fear of conflict by library staff.

The British Library in Euston however remains fantastic.

I remember reading something recently about the 'Silence ' in libraries was to be gradually phased out, with the obvious exception of reading rooms. The changing function of the library has obstensibly been expediency. People weren't using them to borrow books so some of the 'extra curricular' stuff has been necessary to keep them open. What i would be concerned about particularly concening the re-development of the Central Library would be any reduction in the their stock of books. 4 or 5 years ago the Library came in for some criticsm when it reduced its stock, selling rare books off to dealers, hope this isn't the case again.

What i would be concerned about particularly concening the re-development of the Central Library would be any reduction in the their stock of books.

It will have 30,000 fewer books, (see post #80 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=59004873&postcount=80)).

It will have 30,000 fewer books, (see post #80 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=59004873&postcount=80)).

Downsizing in other words. I wonder if the new Birmingham Library will have less books?

Done deal: Liverpool Central Library and Archive
Regeneration & Renewal, 13 September 2010

http://cached.imagescaler.hbpl.co.uk/resize/scaleToFit/287/185/?sURL=http://offlinehbpl.hbpl.co.uk/news/NER/0A7A0C7B-F960-2B82-D19B7008EFCA0DE0.jpg
Prime spot: Liverpool Central Library is located
between a museum and an art gallery within the
city's Unesco heritage site

The partnership behind the revamp of Liverpool Central Library and Archive turned to the Private Finance Initiative to help fund the project. Reporter Hannah Jordan.

Liverpool's historic central library occupies a prime spot within the city's Unesco World Heritage Site, sandwiched between the World Museum Liverpool and the Walker Art Gallery. And like many old buildings, it is in need of some love and attention: its walls are damp and its roof leaks.

The debate about how best to sympathetically restore the library and its archives had raged for almost a decade before the process formally got underway in early 2008 when Liverpool City Council put out a tender to find a development partner to take on the design, build, maintenance and financing of the redevelopment of Liverpool Central Library and Archive.

According to Alan Metcalf, interim head of libraries and information services at the council, what the authority was looking for in a partner was an organisation that could deliver a modern library and archive facility, refurbish the listed buildings and ensure that the library has a "enhanced presence" within the conservation area. The council also decided that the project would be funded via the Private Finance Initiative (PFI). "There are a limited number of opportunities to fund a joint library and archive redevelopment," says Metcalf. "The PFI route was the best fit in terms of meeting our objectives."

Bids were submitted later that year and, in October 2009, the council revealed the winning bidder: Inspire Partnership, a joint venture between Amber Infrastructure and Shepherd Construction, with architects Austin-SmithLord and facilities management firm Cofely. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport provided £50 million in PFI credits to fund the project and the final piece of the jigsaw was put in place last month when city council and Inspire Partnership signed the PFI contract. Under its terms, the council will pay Inspire Partnership an annual sum to manage and maintain the facility over 25 years.

Metcalf says that the council received four "very good" bids from potential partners, but that the Inspire Partnership proposal consistently scored high against all the evaluation criteria, including design, cost and technical issues. "So, we didn't need to compromise," he says.

Mike Leto, project director at Amber Infrastructure, says that the council was looking for a long-term partner and that his company has a strong track record when it comes to delivering infrastructure projects on behalf of the public sector. "We invest in a lot of social infrastructure projects," he says. "We've got over 80 schools in our portfolio, as well as police stations and all sorts of public sector buildings. So, the library project fits with our DNA." Leto adds that the PFI scheme also fits neatly with Amber Infrastructure's business plan. "We're interested in long-term relationships and the cash flows that derive from those investments. In this case it was a perfect match because of the long-term relationship that the client wanted." Leto declines to comment on the profit margin that he anticipates Amber Infrastructure ultimately making on the project, saying only that "the profit margin that we're looking for depends on the risk profile of individual schemes. Both the authority and ourselves felt that it was a fair transaction."

The amount of work that the council had put into preparing to go out to tender made life easier all round, says Leto. "The council had done its homework and had a well organised team that managed the process very efficiently. It meant that the negotiation process wasn't particularly arduous because everybody knew the parameters from the outset."

Building work is due to begin in November and Leto says he is confident that the project will be completed towards the end of 2012.

Key facts

The deal: A £50 million project to redevelop Liverpool Central Library and Archive
Parties involved: Liverpool City Council and Inspire Partnership
Finalised: July 2010.

For more Done Deals, visit regen.net/donedeal (http://www.regen.net/inDepth/ByDiscipline/Business/980793/Done-deal/)

Source: Regen.net (http://www.regen.net/inDepth/ByDiscipline/Business/1027652/Done-deal-Liverpool-Central-Library-Archive/)

http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/beshpate/pIMG_0172.jpg

I sincerely hope those boards are going to be decorated soon, like the Museum of Liverpool ones. White chipboard does not belong on William Brown Street.

The stone flags are being kept in storage to be used on the reinstatement.


http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/3827/p1010757j.jpg


http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/9089/p1010758h.jpg


Bammy could you move this thread to the construction section? thanks.

From the Daily Post -

£50m Liverpool Central Library revamp gets underway

Nov 11 2010 by Marc Waddington, Liverpool Daily Post

WORK has started on the multi-million pound renovation of Liverpool’s Central Library.

The Daily Post was given exclusive access inside the magnificent Georgian building which has lain empty for several months while its priceless archives were carefully removed.

The most valuable book in the collection is a complete volume of James Audubon’s Birds of America, rare first editions of which sell for upwards of £4m. One of the only other complete volumes in Britain belongs to the Queen.

The library is also home to the original Liverpool charter from 1207.

Article continues here, including Gallery - http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2010/11/11/50m-liverpool-central-library-revamp-gets-underway-picture-gallery-92534-27638330/

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/3803/p1010812g.jpg


http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/4743/p1010813o.jpg

http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/beshpate/bIMG_0239.jpg

http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/beshpate/bIMG_0240.jpg

http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/beshpate/bIMG_0241.jpg

Cheers, Howie. It's the first pics of the completed interior that I'm dreading, although the roofspace will be a bonus.

Anyone that has a traditional view of what a library looks like is likely to be dissapointed.

Our library will be a combination of the JMU Aldham Roberts Learning Resource Centre....(not library...libraries are soooo 20th century) and the set from Tron: Legacy.

Minimal, sparse, with wi-fi areas for uploading virtual books or our smart phones, kindles and ipads. Books will be present, particularly for those who do not like technology, but nowhere near as much as the old library. I might lament this, but I am no longer the generation they primarily target (and I'm only 31!).

I think I'll miss the Picton Reading room in particular. There was something stately about that place. Leather bound books as far as the eye can see, a Conan Doyle inspired space where you feel steeped in the history of literature.

Still, the rest of the place was falling apart so you take the rough with the smooth.

I agree with you bugged...maybe cos I fall into the 30sommit... I liked that you could hide away in a corner somewhere to study.... but agree it needed a major major revamp. As for the picton reading room I confident that cant be changed too much and if any part should continue to a have 'Silence Please' sign..surely its this room. Fingers crossed!

the picton reading room isn't going anywhere is it though, its only the 70s part of the building that is being redeveloped

the picton reading room isn't going anywhere is it though, its only the 70s part of the building that is being redeveloped

http://www.liverpool.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture/libraries_and_archives/central_redevelopment/index.asp

3.10 onwards. Looks pretty different to me. As long as it all gets used more, I'll be happy.

http://www.liverpool.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture/libraries_and_archives/central_redevelopment/index.asp

3.10 onwards. Looks pretty different to me. As long as it all gets used more, I'll be happy.

Looks like an updated video:

-XjuRmsKhxk&fmt=18

thats a tad bizarre, the picton reading room is grade 2 listed and shouldn't really be changed at all, even states as such in the description that it will be restored rather than anything else. i really hope that final image is wrong as that is nothing but barbarism

http://www.liverpool.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture/libraries_and_archives/central_redevelopment/index.asp

3.10 onwards. Looks pretty different to me. As long as it all gets used more, I'll be happy.
in fact, if you look at the ceiling of the bit after 3.10 it looks more like the basement beneath the picton room because of the ceiling joists holding up a flat roof

Possibly. Actually, I think there's a snippet earlier where you can see the Picton Library through an open door. Maybe it'll stay after all. I'll have to re-watch.

edit: 2.13.

I'm sure the round room on the video is called the international library, I can't find the pictures that I've seen but there is a lot less vertical height than the Picton Library, there's no chance that they'll be getting rid of the Picton.

I'm sure the round room on the video is called the international library, I can't find the pictures that I've seen but there is a lot less vertical height than the Picton Library, there's no chance that they'll be getting rid of the Picton.

Spot on. The low ceiling is the give-away. The picton is directly above, a much higher room with the dome above. The fact that the Picton is absent from the video suggests it is not being touched, which is a very good thing.

The international library has always been a pretty grim space. Always reminded me of a basement, albeit an oddly-shaped basement. Something fairly drastic needed to be done with it. A childrens education room (if that is what the render shows) seems a great idea to me.

Spot on. The low ceiling is the give-away. The picton is directly above, a much higher room with the dome above. The fact that the Picton is absent from the video suggests it is not being touched, which is a very good thing.

The international library has always been a pretty grim space. Always reminded me of a basement, albeit an oddly-shaped basement. Something fairly drastic needed to be done with it. A childrens education room (if that is what the render shows) seems a great idea to me.

Aye. The Picton Library can just be seen through the door openings at 2:16 and a mere slither on the far RHS at 2:20 untouched as you say.

And boy was the old International Library grim!

From the Echo -

Liverpool’s pick of cultural greats to be set in stone at Central Library

LIVERPOOL’S pick of cultural greats will be honoured in a stone walkway to the city’s restored Central Library.

The public have today been asked to nominate their favourites from the literary, cinematic and musical titles held within the library.

The names of the chosen works will be engraved on a 22-metre long Literary Pavement leading from William Brown Street to the entrance of the building.

The installation forms part of the £50m redevelopment of the library, begun last autumn and scheduled for completion by spring 2013. Parts of the building date from 1860 and are Grade II-listed.

Titles proposed for the pavement range from Das Kapital to The Very Hungry Caterpillar and from Crime and Punishment to Thriller.

There will also be a publicly chosen Literary Liverpool panel on the back of the building, dedicated to writers with a connection to the city.

Article continues here - http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2011/01/28/liverpool-s-pick-of-cultural-greats-to-be-set-in-stone-at-central-library-100252-28069768/

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/402x239.44084278768/jul_10/pnw__1279702245_Central_Library_-_Entrance_For.jpg
The literary pavement measures 22 metres long and 4.5 metres wide

Council seeks views for Central Library feature
28 Jan 2011, 10:19

Liverpool City Council is asking residents to put forward suggestions for a new literary pavement being created as part of the £50m redevelopment of the city's Central Library.

The 22 metre long and 4.5 metre wide walkway will lead from William Brown Street to the entrance of the restored library and engraved on it will be titles from world books, cinema and music.

The council also wants suggestions for two other key areas including a panel called Literary Liverpool, which will cover the back of the building.

The panel aims to showcase writers who were either born in the city, or lived, worked, visited or were influenced and inspired by Liverpool. So far, the list includes the novelist Beryl Bainbridge, poet Adrian Henri and playwright Willy Russell.

Inside, there will also be an area dedicated to famous quotations which will be visible from each floor of the building.

Cllr Wendy Simon, cabinet member for culture and tourism, said: "Liverpool's Central Library will be one of the best public libraries in the UK and we think it's important to give people the chance to have their say on these important features which will be part of the city for years to come.

"I'm sure there will be a huge amount of debate around the lists, and people will be keen to get their favourite book or film on the pavement.

"The Literary Liverpool section is going to be particularly hard to whittle down - the pool of talent we have would be enough to cover every building in the city so getting it to a select few will be a difficult task.

"I'm hoping as many residents and visitors take part and let the team know who they want to see permanently recognised in this fantastic new development."

Work began last autumn on the 150-year-old library, which lies within Liverpool's Unesco World Heritage site. A full restoration of the Grade II-listed parts of the building, which date back to 1860, and the famous Hornby Library and Oak Reading Rooms will be fully open to the public for the first time.

The sections behind the façade, which were built in the 1950s and 1970s following World War II bomb damage and now suffer from damp and a leaking roof, will be rebuilt to make the most of the available space.

The library is scheduled to reopen in spring 2013. The work is being carried out by the Inspire Partnership, which is a joint venture between Amber Infrastructure and Shepherd Construction with architects at Austin-Smith:Lord and Cofely as providers of facilities management services


The deadline for feedback is 5pm Friday 11 February. To fill in the online form visit the Liverpool City Council (http://www.liverpool.gov.uk/central) website


Source: Place North West (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/8169-council-seeks-views-for-central-library-feature.html)

I'm not at all sure that I like the idea of the 'walk of book titles'. It is a populist idea which may suggest inclusivity, but I think it is a bit naff.
William Brown street is part of a world heritage site. This could end up being just a more expensive version of the walk of fame on Otterspool prom - which was an embarrassment until the day it was finally removed.

Classics maybe - but Tracey Beaker! I think not. ( That is one of the suggested titles)

I'm not at all sure that I like the idea of the 'walk of book titles'. It is a populist idea which may suggest inclusivity, but I think it is a bit naff.
William Brown street is part of a world heritage site. This could end up being just a more expensive version of the walk of fame on Otterspool prom - which was an embarrassment until the day it was finally removed.

Classics maybe - but Tracey Beaker! I think not. ( That is one of the suggested titles)

Liverpool seems rather vulnerable to these kinds of bad ideas, wasn't or isn't there some similar nonsense at Kings Dock?

The whole library plan has seemed to be infected with the idea that the current entrance is off-putting and that a more welcoming one will draw punters in. But how many people just walk into a library on a whim anyway? Maybe some, but I think most people actually decide to go into the library and so travel there. Such people won't be drawn in by patronising and inappropriate inscriptions in the pavement.

As for libraries in general, well, as a non-reader, I obviously don't use them, and I've never liked the hygeine idea of touching books that strangers have had in their toilets. I am not opposed to libraries, I know some people value them very highly - but I think they should be full of books, and, these days, ebooks, internet machines etc...... but not cafes, not nonsense - just books. Someone should start a "Libraries are for Books" campaign.

I really liked the postwar aesthetic the library had and feel that as an aesthetic it is much undervalued and has been lost in many buildings and should be preserved more. As a child I would spend days in the library exploring the many stairways, nooks and crannies of the library as well as being filled with immense wonder and awe in the large centrally domed Picton library, with its peculiar little spiral staircases and verandahs and balconies. On a similar point to Design Man's when the museum next door was refurbished the grand staircase entrance was abandoned in favour of a simple automatic door at street level. I appreciate that equality is important and that access to these facilities is crucial for all sorts of people, I just can't help feeling that the great feeling of anticipation I had on climbing the museum steps entering the building has been lost. The new entrance to the library looks similarly underwhelming.

To be fair, I think it will also house an improved archive for tracing family ancestry etc.

Also, there are a couple of small concert/performance rooms off the Picton Reading room - hopefully these will be brought back into regular use - maybe for literary events!

Libraries, in schools, are called Resource Centres nowadays, to reflect the fact that they provide information and reading material in a variety of forms.

The art of reading will never change irrespective of the pace of technology. Children spending hours pouring over 'information' on a screen are not reading.

They ARE reading, in terms of decoding signs and translating into meaningful information, but I agree that there is no substitute for 'real' reading, or 'real' communication etc. Technology alters the way that the brain processes information - it 'flattens' things out; it does not involve us holistically or organically - and, I firmly believe, this impoverishes us.

Likewise, the process of typing is a whole different ball game from hand-writing. There is something crucial about the physical act of making one's own shape or signature 'style' on paper, which conveys and encourages 'self' to appear.

However, typing CAN foster confidence because it adds credibility and 'authority' to what one types - or at least we feel it does!

Pic by exacta2a (http://www.flickr.com/photos/exacta2a/5539261551/in/pool-595503@N24/)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/5539261551_e10c0b5149_b.jpg

Liverpool Central Library restoration work underway
by Emily Gosden, Liverpool Daily Post Mar 22 2011

RESTORATION work is underway on the historic roofs of Liverpool’s Central Library.

A 67-week restoration project began last week with scaffolding going up to support a temporary roof.

The tent-like scaffolds will remain in place until the autumn to protect the building while work is carried out on the original roofs below. The roofs of the Hornby and Oak Libraries require re-covering with blue Welsh slate and a new zinc roof will be added to the dome of the Picton library.

All three libraries will also have new guttering and substantial masonry repairs to the façade.

Specialist restoration firm William Anelay Ltd is undertaking the work as well as extensive internal repairs at the library.

They will carry out plaster work repairs, redecoration and the bookcases will be restored.

William Anelay’s Managing Director Vernon Carter said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Shepherd Construction on such a major project to extend the life and expand the facilities of a building of such importance.”

The £50m redevelopment of the Central Library began last autumn and is scheduled for completion by spring 2013.

Parts of the building date from 1860 and are Grade II-listed.

Other sections built in the 1950s and 1970s following World War II bomb damage now suffer from damp and a leaking roof and will be rebuilt to make the most of the available space including a new purpose-built home for the Liverpool Record Office.

The redeveloped Central Library will also include a new children’s library and IT facilities.

Under the PFI project, private firms will complete £54m of work and the taxpayer will ultimately foot a £180m bill, including maintenance, over 25 years.

Source: Liverpool Daily Post (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2011/03/22/liverpool-central-library-work-underway-92534-28377928/)

A few shots of this redevelopment....
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5551901038_ea76eda705_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5551901038/)
Liverpool Central Library Redevelopment (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5551901038/)

A bit closer...
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5054/5555292707_4baa7fa01d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5555292707/)
Liverpool Central Library Redevelopment (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5555292707/)

There's a lot going on at the back out off sight from the front...
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5150/5555889754_a0e0ded224_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5555889754/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5172/5555895702_7f0cf82f51_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5555895702/)

:nuts: .. :nuts:

Cheers, Chris - really captures the scale of what's going on.

that scaffolding looks fantastic!!

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/402x239.315625/jul_10/pnw__1279701722_Central_Library_-_Aerial_View_.jpg

Liverpool Central Library PPI sold on to INPP
1 Apr 2011, 12:57

The public private finance initiative for the rebuilding of Liverpool Central Library for Liverpool City Council has been sold to International Public Partnerships.

INPP, an infrastructure investment company listed on the stock exchange, said the deal was part of an acquisition of nine schemes including eight NHS LIFT projects.

The refurbishment of Liverpool Central Library involves the replacement of the 1950s and 1970s library facility, and will feature new visitor facilities with improved access to the book collections, as well as purpose-built facilities for Liverpool's Record Office, designed by architects Austin-Smith:Lord.

Construction is now underway and is on schedule for completion in December 2012.

Liverpool City Council agreed a 25-year deal with Inspire Partnership, a joint venture between Amber Infrastructure and Shepherd Construction, last summer.

Shepherd Construction held a 19.9% stake, while Amber had an 80.1% share. INPP has bought the balance held by Amber.

Nationwide Building Society's commercial division and German partner bank Helaba also teamed up to fund the PFI in the summer.

INPP said the eight UK LIFT projects include South Bristol Community Hospital, Goscote Palliative Care Centre, and Harrow Neighbourhood Resource Centres, as well as additional interests in five existing NHS LIFT projects.

The total acquisition price for all nine projects is £10.8m.

Giles Frost, director at International Public Partnerships, said: "The projects further underline our long-term commitment to investing in UK social infrastructure and the excellent investment pipeline in place for INPP."

Source: Place North West (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/8728-liverpool-central-library-ppi-sold-on-to-inpp.html)

exacta2 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/exacta2a/5600638841/in/pool-595503@N24/)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5144/5600638841_3d2b5c50d7_b.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/iamlimbo/IMG_0967.jpg

Just a quick camera phone snap of the demolition progress

Wow. No half measures eh? A wrecking ball isn't exactly a precise tool to be swinging around if thats whats being shown. Lets not even think about it!

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj32/buggedboy/IMAG0246.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/iamlimbo/IMG_0967.jpg

Just a quick camera phone snap of the demolition progress

How it used to look:

http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/beshpate/Picture%20028.jpg

Liverpool’s iconic Central Library reveals first glimpse of transformation work (VIDEO)
by Alan Weston, Liverpool Daily Post
Apr 19 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/article/20031701/2011/04/18/13340010.jpeg

THE first tantalising glimpses of how Liverpool’s iconic Central Library is being transformed into a landmark building for the 21st Century are revealed today.

The £50m scheme is one of the biggest library re-developments in the UK and is also one of the most challenging, given the historic nature of the site.

Full article and video here (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2011/04/19/liverpool-s-iconic-central-library-reveals-first-glimpse-of-transformation-work-video-92534-28542184/) >>

In the video it looked like all the wooden panels and decorative features have been stripped out in this room:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/3987298768_dde54fd8a5_z.jpg?zz=1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nalsa/3987298768/)
Picton (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nalsa/3987298768/) by nalsa (http://www.flickr.com/people/nalsa/), on Flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2768/4470465633_17508dc92d_z.jpg?zz=1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scousefire/4470465633/)
Picton Rooms, Central Library, William Brown Street (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scousefire/4470465633/) by Scousefire (http://www.flickr.com/people/scousefire/), on Flickr

are they going to be put back in once construction in that room is complete?

Central Library revamp on track
19 Apr 2011, 08:20

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/200x200/apr_11/pnw__1303197323_securedownload.jpg
The sections being demolished
were originally built following
Second World War bomb damage
and were suffering from damp and a
leaking roof

Shepherd Construction is halfway through demolition of sections of the library in Liverpool city centre dating back to the 1950s and 1970s.

The sections were originally built following Second World War bomb damage and were suffering from damp and a leaking roof.

Shepherd Construction is using specialist equipment to separate the side walls of the library from the adjoining buildings, which are occupied by the World Museum Liverpool and the Walker Art Gallery, while at the same time protecting the historic façade of the library on William Brown Street and the adjoining Picton, Hornby and Oak buildings.

With the walls now separated, the main contractor is taking down the existing structure to pave the way for the new section of the library to be constructed, designed by architects at Austin-Smith:Lord.

This will include a café atrium and roof terrace and provide storage for the Liverpool Record Office where archives and some of the city's most historic treasures from the last 800 years will be housed.

Restoration work of the Grade 2-listed sections of library is also continuing with external scaffolding and a temporary roof structure now erected to the Picton Library and removal of the existing zinc covering to the dome roof now underway.

Peter Millett, west division managing director at Shepherd Construction, said: "The deconstruction stage has been an extremely complex part of the programme as we have had to protect the façade and neighbouring buildings, particularly considering the priceless artefacts and paintings on the walls of the museum and gallery just feet away from where we have been working on the separation of the library's structure. To help us we've enlisted the latest equipment that has been stationed in the neighbouring buildings to monitor vibration levels.

"With the separation now complete we are expecting to have the rest of the area cleared by June 2011. Construction of the new library will be carried out in conjunction with the historic restoration work, with the project due to complete in November 2012."

Work on the library, which lies within Liverpool's UNESCO World Heritage site, will see a full restoration of the parts of the building dating back to 1860 and the Hornby Library and Oak Reading Rooms being fully open to the public for the first time.

The revamped Central Library will include IT facilities that allow young people to download music and games onto MP3 and MP4 players, with wi-fi and access to computers.

Joyce Little, Liverpool City Council's head of libraries, said: "The restoration of Liverpool's Central Library has taken more than ten years in the planning, and it's exciting to see the project move to the next stage."

The new Central Library is now scheduled to reopen in spring 2013, having originally been scheduled for completion at the end of next year.

Inspire Partnership, a joint venture between Amber Infrastructure and Shepherd Construction, was originally delivering the £50m project.

Liverpool City Council agreed a 25-year deal with Inspire Partnership, with Shepherd Construction holding a 19.9% stake and Amber an 80.1% share.

In April this year, however, International Public Partnerships bought the balance held by Amber as part of an acquisition of nine projects totalling £10.8m.

Cofely is providing facilities management services.

Source: Place North West (http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/8856-central-library-destruction-reaches-midway-point.html)

In the video it looked like all the wooden panels and decorative features have been stripped out in this room:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/3987298768_dde54fd8a5_z.jpg?zz=1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nalsa/3987298768/)
Picton (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nalsa/3987298768/) by nalsa (http://www.flickr.com/people/nalsa/), on Flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2768/4470465633_17508dc92d_z.jpg?zz=1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scousefire/4470465633/)
Picton Rooms, Central Library, William Brown Street (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scousefire/4470465633/) by Scousefire (http://www.flickr.com/people/scousefire/), on Flickr

are they going to be put back in once construction in that room is complete?

^^

You are getting 2 different parts of the library confused, I think. The part of the library shown in the video (International Library?) is not the same one in the photos here which is the Picton Library. The former was always more plain than the latter. Apologies if I've got those names wrong. Anyone confirm I've got them right?

the decorative features all appear to have been encased in plyboard to protect them during the rebuilding, seem sensible and justified to me

^^^^ ahh brill, thanx :)

Progress as of 30th April 2011

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5676960724_c2202825b0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5676960724/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5225/5677585812_681bfa9e97_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5677585812/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5677322305_017513172b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5677322305/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5677870646_1542781528_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5677870646/)

Complete Set here: Liverpool Central Library Redevelopment... ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/sets/72157626202863119/)
.

TUE 3 MAY 2011
Hoarding wrap for Liverpool Library gets a Wash Design

http://www.thedrum.co.uk/pub/files/photos/news/21187/main.libary_hoarding_0002.jpg

Working with coloured card, paper, plenty of sticky tape and a selection of images taken of various artefacts from the vaults of the Liverpool Library Archive, a striking time-line graphic has been created and produced by Preston’s Wash Design for the hoarding panels erected around the 220 meter perimeter of Liverpool’s Central Library and Archive redevelopment and restoration project.

Produced for the main contractor Shepherd Construction, the hoarding panels outline various milestones in the history of both Liverpool and the 150-year old Library, as well as being reminders of the next major landmark to come – the library’s reopening in 2013 – once the £50m refurbishment programme has been completed.

Peter Millett, managing director for Shepherd Construction’s West Division said: “With the redevelopment continuing over the next two years we were keen to have more than just the normal construction hoardings and really bring alive the restoration project in a way that underlines the significance of the library to Liverpool.”

Source: THE DRUM (http://www.thedrum.co.uk/news/2011/05/03/21187-hoarding-wrap-for-liverpool-library-gets-a-wash-design/)

Great pics Chris. The same view I got by taking a little stroll along the flyover.

http://web.onetel.net.uk/~howardpaterson/uploads/sIMG_0315.jpg

Great pics Chris. The same view I got by taking a little stroll along the flyover.

I saw someone taking pics from the flyover the other week was that you ??
It's a great vantage point to get some great pics...

Anyway here's a few from Saturday 21st May

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2052/5752600567_87ba213bea_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5752600567/)


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2367/5753184054_fd591f4ba9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5753184054/)

Cheers......:cheers:

Contractor appointed to refurbish Liverpool’s Central Library
by Staff Reporter, Liverpool Daily Post
Jun 9 2011

A CONTRACTOR has been appointed to carry out the £50m refurbishment of Liverpool’s Central Library and Archive.

Inspire Partnership was chosen by Liverpool Council after a Europe-wide search for a development partner.

The successful contractor, which beat off competition from three other shortlisted organisations, is a joint venture between Amber Infrastructure and Shepherd Construction.

Central Library, in William Brown Street, has gradually fallen into disrepair over many decades, and suffers from damp and a leaking roof.

Under the scheme, the Grade II-listed parts of the building, which date back to 1850, including the facade and famous Picton, Hornby and Oak Reading Rooms, will be restored to their former glory.

The sections behind the facade, which were built in the 1950s and 1970s following World War Two bomb damage, will be demolished and rebuilt.

The project will include a new home for Liverpool Record Office, which will house some of the city's most historic treasures from the last 800 years – such as the original 1207 charter – in purpose-built secure, climate-controlled storage.

Mike Leto, from Inspire Partnership, said: “Our team is truly proud to have been awarded this opportunity to deliver a world-class library experience for the city of Liverpool, and to contribute an outstanding feature of historical, aesthetic and cultural importance to the Liverpool landscape.”

Continues (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2011/06/09/contractor-appointed-to-refurbish-liverpool-s-central-library-92534-28846462/2/) >>

http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/beshpate/TowerCrane.jpg

My Post from the Crane Count Thread...

Tower Crane Base - 15th July 2011
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6129/5966963782_8fb665f37f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5966963782/)


Tower Crane Base - 15th July 2011
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6148/5966396619_3dde9d92fb_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5966396619/)

Wolff Tower Crane 5520 FL - 22nd July 2011
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6013/5966549595_a36e0b5192_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5966549595/)

Wolff Tower Crane 5520 FL - 22nd July 2011
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6148/5967114032_0fc5b2f6f2_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5967114032/)

There's going to be a second Tower Crane Erected this week the base is set ready pics to follow....

More here .... Liverpool Central Library Redevelopment... ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/sets/72157626202863119/)
.

There's going to be a second Tower Crane Erected this week the base is set ready pics to follow....

The second tower is being erected. Have been watching it going up from the office window all morning. Get your camera Chris.

The second tower is being erected. Have been watching it going up from the office window all morning. Get your camera Chris.

Lucky Howie,

I'm gutted

I asked the guys on site last Friday, when the second Crane was going up they told me it was going up today (Thursday 28th)
but I could not get the day off work so missed it.

But I can finish work early tomorrow so I'll probably take a quick trip to Liverpool to grab some pics of the 2nd Crane & the Premier Inn development on Handover Street

Here's some of the Tower Crane Base from last Friday....

Tower Crane Base ready to be set in it's foundations- 15th July 2011
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6140/5948102389_43746dc512_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5948102389/)

Tower Crane Base be set in it's foundations- 22nd July 2011
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6020/5967903629_d8fde6c232_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5967903629/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6005/5967884485_f4cecc6427_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/5967884485/)

More here: Liverpool Central Library Redevelopment... ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/sets/72157626202863119/)
.

An Update from 6th November

I've some pics from in-between the 28th July and 6th Nov but can't find ATM so the project seems to have progressed rapidly.

6th November 2011
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6107/6335531809_417246684d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/6335531809/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6109/6335538101_8180a7df75_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/6335538101/)

:cheers:

Not been down for ages, looks to be coming on well, as it was in August

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6958889567_996fe2dd31_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/4737carlin/6958889567/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/4737carlin/6958889567/) by 4737 carlin (http://www.flickr.com/people/4737carlin/), on Flickr

The blue Wolff crane was dismantled on Sunday - the red one will follow shortly :ohno:

Liverpool Central Library Picton Reading Room re-emerges in all its glory
Liverpool Echo | Mar 19 2012 |

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolecho/mar2012/5/3/library-620-976748228.jpg
Replacing gold leaf to the decorative raised panels

THE FINAL touches are being made to the restoration of the historic Picton Reading Room at Liverpool’s Central Library.

After a year of painstaking restoration, work is nearly complete on the domed ceiling and the timber bookcases.

The work has involved thousands of working hours and has included matching plaster and paint as closely as possible to the originals used when building of the dome first began in 1875.

Gold leaf has also been replaced on the decorative raised panels.

Outside scaffolding around the Picton Dome has progressively been coming down since January as sections of the exterior are completed.

The restoration of the walls and roof of the Picton has been just as intricately.

The dome has been re-clad in zinc and a new glazed oculus light has been installed at the apex, while original features such as the 15 Liver Birds engraved on the surrounding stone masonry have been repaired.

Work on the Picton Reading Room is due to be completed in June as part of a wider £54m transformation of Central Library, which began in November 2010. At its peak nearly 200 people have been working on the site.

As well as seeing the full restoration of the Grade ll listed areas of the library, extensions dating from the 1950s and 1970s have been taken down and replaced with a new building.

Continues (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2012/03/19/liverpool-central-library-picton-reading-room-re-emerges-in-all-its-glory-100252-30567266/2/) >>

Liverpool Central Library revamp progresses
Published: 22-Mar-2012

http://static.businessreviewonline.com/brnewsitesimagesrootfilepath/File_root/Article/liverpool_central_library_revamp_progresses_120322/liverpool.jpg

Liverpool Central Library in the UK is undergoing a £54 million ($85.62 million) makeover.

The project is being executed by contractor Shepherd Construction, in association with restoration specialist William Anelay on behalf of Liverpool city council. Work will be carried out in two sections including historic and new build. The historic segment will restore the Picton, Hornby and Oak buildings and retain the building facade on William Brown Street.

The gold leaf on the decorative elevated panels of the Picton room have already been substituted as part of the project. Its dome has been re-clad in zinc with a new glazed oculus light fitted at the apex. Further, some of the original features of the library including the 15 Liver Birds engraved on the surrounding stone masonry have undergone repair work.

The new section of the project will involve construction of a new library building which will replace the extensions from the 1950s and 1970s. The building will sport reading and information floors, public café, meeting rooms, atrium as well as roof terrace. There will also be construction of a separate purpose-built climate controlled repository which will function as a storage space for the Liverpool Record Office.

The facility is scheduled to reopen by early 2013.

Source: World Interior Design Network (http://www.worldinteriordesignnetwork.com/news/liverpool_central_library_revamp_progresses_120322/)

First glimpse of the rooftop cafe.

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/6610/p1020443l.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/525/p1020443l.jpg/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7127/7141909847_14a60fa953_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/4737carlin/7141909847/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/4737carlin/7141909847/) by 4737 carlin (http://www.flickr.com/people/4737carlin/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8161/7132075141_c7eb218449_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/4737carlin/7132075141/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/4737carlin/7132075141/) by 4737 carlin (http://www.flickr.com/people/4737carlin/), on Flickr

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj32/buggedboy/IMAG0119.jpg

Is that limestone cladding? I was happy with the silver myself..

The sign has gone up now, i went past before, all complete but due to the rain i didnt stop to get a photo of the finished job

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/4737carlin/livurbex/library/IMG_3774-1sub.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/4737carlin/livurbex/library/IMG_3757-1sub.jpg

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I just can't seem to like this elevation of the library. It stands out like a sore thumb. I don't understand what the point of the columns are at either end of the building. I know it isn't finished yet, but at them moment I'm not warming to it, or not getting it, one of the two.

oh dear what on earth is that cladding? and the dumb Super sized text explaining it's a library? yes I think we all know that.

The rear looks like a 1960's kitchen.

The in keeping with heritage nonsense strikes again. Still, I think it's fine. After all, it's only the back.

Here's an image of how the back of the library was to look Link (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/in-the-mix/2011/01/28/liverpool-s-pick-of-cultural-greats-to-be-set-in-stone-at-central-library-100252-28069768/)

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolecho/jan2011/0/6/central-library-redevelopment-artists-impression-rear-panel-350424632.jpg

...and the front:

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolecho/jan2011/9/2/central-library-development-literary-pavement-artists-impression-408517346.jpg

^^

Images from the last year or so from the council website Link (http://liverpool.gov.uk/libraries-and-archives/central.aspx)

08/03/12
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8002/7204981924_a13fbb3987.jpg

08/03/12
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10/11/11
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10/11/11
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09/06/11
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…and a few more: Link (http://liverpool.gov.uk/libraries-and-archives/central.aspx)

06/09/11
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08/08/11
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04/10/11
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08/08/11
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07/04/11
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07/04/11
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09/06/11
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They really have cut it to buggery haven't they? Should be very interesting to see the end result.

Great find PR, they're fantastic pictures.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7130/7764755844_55a4ff5145_h.jpg

Copyright DianneB1960 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/drb2208/)

From the Echo -

Liverpool’s Central Library rebuild shows off wall of city's literary giants

A ROLL-CALL of Liverpool’s literary giants has now taken pride of place on the outside of the city’s new-look Central Library.

The granite panel stands 20 metres (65ft) high and is flanked by gold coloured panelling on the new archive building, opposite Churchill Way flyover.

It marks another important milestone in the £54m project to rebuild the library, which began in November 2010.

The eye-catching Literary Liverpool panel features the names of publicly-chosen writers, all of whom were either born in the city, or who lived, worked, visited or were strongly influenced by Liverpool.

Among the famous names on the panel are playwrights for stage and screen such as Alan Bleasdale, Jimmy McGovern, and Willy Russell, poets Adrian Henri, Roger McGough, and Brian Patten, and novelist Beryl Bainbridge.

John Lennon and Paul McCartney are also recognised for their poetry as well as their lyrics.

Article continues here - http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2012/08/28/liverpool-s-central-library-rebuild-shows-off-wall-of-city-s-literary-giants-100252-31709477/

Looks like they're taking plastic covering off the metal panels:

exacta2a (http://www.flickr.com/photos/exacta2a/7881457658/in/photostream/)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8300/7881457658_531026a22f_c.jpg

A pic of the roof from June (I forgot about) sent to me from a friend who work on the job for a day...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8309/7917660294_7a31d9a56c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlex/7917660294/)

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http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l537/openlyjane/Various%207/P1300172.jpg

Liverpool Central Library’s priceless treasures hidden in bunker 500ft underground
by Marc Waddington, Liverpool Echo | Dec 26 2012 |

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolecho/dec2012/8/1/picture-image-7-256304059.jpg
Joyce Little and David Stoker from Liverpool's Central Library, 500ft underground at Winsford Salt Mines

LIVERPOOL city bosses are preparing to transport priceless artefacts to the newly-refurbished Central Library from a secure bunker deep underground.

The treasures have been held in a salt mine in Cheshire since the £50m refurbishment of the library began.

So valuable are some of the estimated 200,000 items that comprise the library’s collection that they have had to be stored more than 500ft below the surface.

It is thought that when the mine first became used to store valuable items in 1940 it was home to the Crown Jewels during the Second World War. But bosses at the mine admitted no-one really knew whether the claim was true.

Gordon Dunn, who manages the mine in Winsford in which the council’s artefacts are stored, said there was every chance there were some mysterious items in storage that he and colleagues knew nothing about.

He added: “We don’t always know what they are, but we know where they are. We scan them when they come in and scan them when they go out.

“We’ve picked the safest place, with a constant temperature and humidity, to store the records, which include items for the National Archives as well.”

Access to the archive is strictly controlled, but the ECHO was given a rare glimpse of the council’s collection in its current home at the Deepstore facility.

The items include one of the world’s most expensive books – Birds of America, by John James Aubudon.

Liverpool council owns one of the few complete sets in the world. At an auction in Manhattan, New York earlier this year, an edition was bought by a mystery bidder at auction for more than $7.9m.

The books, paintings and other key historical documents are kept at a controlled, constant temperature, because moisture and sudden changes in heat could cause irreparable damage.

Central Library expert David Stoker said some of the artefacts – including the City Charter of 1208 – were of such importance no value could be put on them.

Mr Stoker said: “Birds of America is probably our most famous item.

“It is in four volumes. In the 1820s he painted from life every bird in the USA, going out into the field to search for them, and hand-painting them all life-size in the huge book.

“There are very few full sets in the world.”

Why Liverpool council should own a set of the volumes and what the link with the city was Mr Stoker said: “The link with Audubon is that when he was trying to get his project off the ground he struggled to get sponsorship so he came over to Liverpool and got financial support from the likes of the Earl Of Derby, and he stayed with the Rathbones at Rathbone Hall .”

Other items in the city collection include several thousand engravings, letters and documents dating back to the 15th century, including some of the very earliest examples of the printed word.

There are also prints and drawings by 15th century artist Albrecht Dürer, J.M.W Turner and John Constable.

There are also letters from historical giants including Admiral Horatio Nelson and drawings by 19th century illustrator and poet Edward Lear.

All the artefacts will be returned under high security to the revamped library in March next year, once the massive refurbishment project is complete.

Joyce Little, head of the council’s library service, added: “People who remember the old library will be amazed to see the transformation.

“We will have a room specially dedicated to Audubon’s Birds of America, which is stored in the mine for safety, and also an area for display of some of the other items from our special collections.

“People have not been able to go in (to see these items) before without being accompanied by a member of staff, so many will be able to see them now for the first time.”

The next step towards the completion of the library came earlier this month when the library was officially handed back to the council from the builders undertaking the refurbishment project.

It will now take the next two or three months to return all the books and items in the collection – which number over one million – to the new library.

It is expected to open to the public on May 17.

Source: Liverpool Echo (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2012/12/26/liverpool-central-library-s-priceless-treasures-hidden-in-bunker-500ft-underground-100252-32494142/)

Liverpool Central Library to re-open

The official public re-opening of Central Library, which has been undergoing intricate restoration for more than two years, will take place on Friday 17 May.

Work on the £50m scheme began in autumn 2010 and has involved demolishing the 1950s Brown Library and the 1978 extension. There is now a new building behind the original listed historic façade, which was damaged in World War II.

In the Picton Reading Room, the intricate domed ceiling has been restored and all the timber bookcases repaired. Thousands of hours of work have also gone in to matching plaster and paint as close to the originals used when the dome was built in 1875.

Finishing touches are now being made to the main library and the children's library. External landscaping is also taking place including a new 22m long, 4.5m wide, walkway engraved with titles from world books, cinema and music. The Literary Liverpool wall is now in place and can be seen at the back of the building.

The project provides a new location for the Liverpool Record Office, which will house some of the city's most historic documents from the last 800 years, such as the original 1207 charter, in purpose built, secure, climate controlled storage.

There will be IT facilities allowing young people to access and play music and games, and wi-fi throughout the building.

Other new additions include a new entrance to the main library, a conservation studio, a rooftop terrace with views across the city and improved facilities including meeting rooms and a café.

Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Joe Anderson, said: "Central Library is the final piece in the William Brown Street restoration jigsaw, and it's hugely exciting to know that in a matter of months it will be open to the public once again


Revamped Liverpool Central Library expects to attract one million visitors in its first year

Arts Editor Laura Davis enjoys a sneak preview of the wonderful renovation of Central Library

ONE million visitors are expected to visit Liverpool’s revamped Central Library in its first year of opening – double its pre-closure figures.

The city’s head of libraries hopes the £50m development will become a tourist attraction as well as providing an important service to local people.

The William Brown Street complex will open on May 17, comprising a new building behind the original, Victorian façade, as well as three Grade II*-listed reading rooms and a former lecture theatre.

Joyce Little, Liverpool City Council’s head of libraries, said: “We want it to be a visitor destination in its own right and take advantage of tourism.

“We are anticipating we will get up to one million visitors in the first year, dropping to between 750,000 and 800,000 after that.”

Work began in autumn of 2010 with the demolition of the 1950s Brown Library and its 1978 extension, which had replaced the original 1860 building after it was damaged in World War II.

The new building, constructed behind the surviving Victorian façade, features a pavement cafe, to be run by a so far undisclosed international catering company, and a more prominent entrance on William Brown Street.

The project includes a new home for the Liverpool Record Office, housing around 3m items in secure, climate-controlled storage.

A glass dome tops the building, directly above the ground floor “performance circle”, decorated with a poem by Liverpool’s Levi Tafari, while a 22-metre literary pavement, engraved with titles from world books, cinema and music, welcomes visitors.

Read More http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2013/01/10/revamped-liverpool-central-library-expects-to-attract-one-million-visitors-in-its-first-year-99623-32575617/#ixzz2Ha7Jxh2Q

Some great pictures in the post and echo today. The job looks really well done .

Some great pictures in the post and echo today. The job looks really well done .

Some good ones on here too.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-20972053

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/ldp3/jan2013/6/9/liverpool-central-library-620-448164155.jpg

Hats off to them. They have succeeded in my opinion. Great job. Can't wait to see it when it opens.

Fantastic job.:applause:

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/ldp3/jan2013/9/5/596x447/image-18-exclusive-look-at-liverpool-central-library-william-brown-street-pics-colin-lane-353467239.jpg

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http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/multimedia/news/latest-news/2013/01/10/exclusive-look-at-liverpool-central-library-william-brown-street-pics-colin-lane-99623-32581220/#leaf

The local media are having a chance to tour around the refurbished library today! Some cracking photos on these news reporters, Twitter pages:

https://twitter.com/AndyBonnerITV
https://twitter.com/MerseyHack

^^^^^^


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[URL="https://twitter.com/i/#!/MerseyHack/media/slideshow?url=pic.twitter.com%2FhD7oraUp[/URL]

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Rekindling Liverpool Central Library
The books are returning to Liverpool's Central Library. After four long years and a £50million refurb, it's set to open this spring. But has it been worth the wait? We went for a sneak peek...
We know a thing or two about libraries in Liverpool. We gave the world the first public lending library (at the Lyceum on Bold Street) so these past few years without a central library has been tough. But we’re glad – and relieved – to report that the all new book repository above the grassy knoll of William Brown Street is a triumph. Think Reichstag on the Mersey and you’re close to the stunning, light filled new space that will greet visitors when it opens on May 17.

Within, state of the art gubbins merge seamlessly with Victorian cast iron, as the returned-to-original spec Picton reading room leads to a sleek row of iPads and computers. External walls are brought inside, their sorbet-coloured bricks bonded to glass and steel walkways (not unlike the atrium of the World Museum) and peeled back Victorian fittings are freed from their 1960s chipboard prisons. The horrid glass panels encasing the Picton’s whispering gallery, the murky corridors and blocked up windows have gone. It’s all rather magnificent.

The new-look Discover (formerly the International Library), is a magical children’s library with plump cushions and day-glo lighting, and the Hornby and Oak Rooms, open to the public for the first time, are buffed and beautiful: all french polished mahogany and scrubbed up stonework. This, dear readers, does not look like a place where books are incinerated, nor “the assembly hall of an academy for secret police”. It is a place of hushed awe.

Much of the praise for the library’s rebirth should be directed at head of libraries, Joyce Little. It was her indefatigable campaign that put the building’s refurb front centre when, in truth, the project had little buy-in from the Lib Dems (books not being quite as sexy as shops). Thank god she persevered. While our old library was much loved, its entrance was a mess, its disabled access dreadful, and its microfiche room was, er, what’s the opposite of Minority Report?

Clever new architectural touches – including a facade retention – has allowed the library to be completely remodelled behind its street-facing skin (and, as the old building was only a hasty rebuild after the blitz, it’s no great loss). The result is that the new library’s floors don’t meet the front of the building, resulting in an unbroken light well, from street-level to roof. The once-gloomy interior is flooded with light, even on a grey winter’s day.

“The aim is to bring people in, and to make the ground floor warm and welcoming,” Little says of the library’s ground floor ‘Read’ space, crammed with crime novels, historical romances, DVDs, PS3′s and the like: “We want this space to feel like a retail bookshop. We want to encourage everyone to come in, meet and socialise.”

Even, it seems, cruise ship passenger and day trippers: “Yes, we want the library to offer a new service for Liverpool, but we want it to be a visitor attraction in its own right,” Little says, pointing out the space where an ‘internationally branded cafe’ will sit (we’re assuming Costa Coffee, but we’ll wait and see. Churlish to say it should have been a Liverpool brand? Leafing through books to a pot of Leaf’s tea?).

The redevelopment of the Grade II* listed building comes complete with a dramatic new entrance: gone is the sandstone wall: in its place a processional route lined with stately lanterns, illuminating a path etched with classic film and book titles.

But it’s inside, with its free wi-fi, its Bose music systems, and its remodelled, temperature controlled archive (the city’s treasures now, poetically, safeguarded in the new gold box to the rear of the building), where you get a sense that the £50 million has been well spent. Yes, the floor space is smaller, but clever new mobile shelves allow more of the library’s collection to be wheeled out from storage.

And that’s before the books return – 40kms worth of shelving to be precise. When the library opens, we’ll be able to enjoy the Audobon book, Birds of America in a special glass case, with its pages turned once a week. The book’s valued at around £8 million, so we doubt you’ll be able to borrow it for a fortnight. We’ll have access to the Library’s complete archives – the largest outside of London, and request to see some of the earliest examples of printing in the world, from the 1400s, from Gutenberg and and Caxton, and a rare edition of the complete works of William Morris.

And, for the first time since the 1903′s, we’ll even be able to tell the time on the clock in the Picton: which has, finally, been fixed. Now there’s a metaphor for you.

Our tour ends on the rooftop terrace – where you’ll be able to sit out with a book on a summer’s evening (the library will be open til 9pm in the week) and take in the rooftops of the city. A municipal library – the go-to place in the city again? Don’t bet against it.

“It’s fantastic,” Little says, “I can’t sleep at nights, I’m so excited about its opening.”

Yes, you can be sure. Books have a safe future in Liverpool.

http://www.sevenstreets.com/city-living/refurbishment-liverpool-central-library/

Great article. Makes me want to visit the library as soon as it opens.

86 days to go! Looking forward to this. Could be a new venue for some day time meetings.

I can't wait because having frequented the temporary facility off Sandhills for the last two years which had a far better system for viewing old photographs (than the 3 look ups per every 20 mins/half hour), I just missed out on my last visit as they were packing up so got a long list now of photos I want to view and copy.

There's an ICE evening meeting this about this project on Tuesday evening. It's taking place at the library so I'm hoping there will be chance to have a bit of a look around.

Time 18:00 - 20:00
Event Type Meeting
Collaborative Team Working

Speakers: Matthew Pendergast, Turner & Townsend along with speakers from Liverpool City Council, Amber Infrastructure, Cofely and Shepherd Construction

Venue: Discover Zone, Liverpool Central Library and Archive, William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 3EN
Time: 18:00 to 20:00 (light refreshments available from 18:00)

Given the nature of PFI projects, there a number of organisations representing different interests on the project including the Client (Liverpool City Council), Funders (Nationwide Bank and Helaba Bank), the Developer (Amber Infrastructure), the Building Contractor (Shepherd Construction) and the Facilities Management Provider (Cofely). Sitting below these organisations is a number of consultancies carrying out specialist roles on the project including Turner & Townsend, AA Projects, White Young Green, Austin Smith Lord and Buro Happold.

The success of the project was only made possible by this multi organisational and disciplinary working together collaboratively towards common goals and outcomes. This seminar explores the stakeholder management and communication protocols that underpinned the project and how these were used to ensure that all parties delivered on their responsibilities to create a flagship, world class project.

Had a tour of the building this evening. It's fantastic, a massive success.

There's an ICE evening meeting this about this project on Tuesday evening. It's taking place at the library so I'm hoping there will be chance to have a bit of a look around.

Time 18:00 - 20:00
Event Type Meeting
Collaborative Team Working

Speakers: Matthew Pendergast, Turner & Townsend along with speakers from Liverpool City Council, Amber Infrastructure, Cofely and Shepherd Construction

Venue: Discover Zone, Liverpool Central Library and Archive, William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 3EN
Time: 18:00 to 20:00 (light refreshments available from 18:00)

Given the nature of PFI projects, there a number of organisations representing different interests on the project including the Client (Liverpool City Council), Funders (Nationwide Bank and Helaba Bank), the Developer (Amber Infrastructure), the Building Contractor (Shepherd Construction) and the Facilities Management Provider (Cofely). Sitting below these organisations is a number of consultancies carrying out specialist roles on the project including Turner & Townsend, AA Projects, White Young Green, Austin Smith Lord and Buro Happold.

The success of the project was only made possible by this multi organisational and disciplinary working together collaboratively towards common goals and outcomes. This seminar explores the stakeholder management and communication protocols that underpinned the project and how these were used to ensure that all parties delivered on their responsibilities to create a flagship, world class project.

Did you go Inigo? I've just got back. I was in the tour group with Joyce Little and it was really enjoyable.

The stair tower is the main feature of the new work and the combination of its inclined axis, tapering form and criss-crossing stairways makes it something like and Esher drawing.

The roof terrace on the third level has some of the best views over the city and I guess it will be a major attraction but I don't think they have plans for an outdoor cafe there. Apart from the view over the city you can get an overview of the whole library layout with the Picton reading room adjacent and a view overlooking the Hornby and Oak Room Libraries.

Inside, it is still very much a work in progress with plenty of books still to be put back but the access to the old parts of the library has been improved and I did find that those big signs 'READ', 'DISCOVER' etc aren't as intrusive as I feared when I first saw the renderings.

They have obviously done a lot of work in reopening the old International Library (now to be a children's library) and they have exposed the steel trusses supporting the floor of the reading room above. The reading room has been redecorated - one thing I didn't realise is the very pronounced echo that the room has although Joyce said that the original echo of 4 seconds has been reduced to 2 and should be softened once all the books are installed.

The Hornby and Oak Room Libraries have been renovated - more of a job than it first appears as the roofs of both had to be replaced due to the condition of the supporting trusses. A huge glass case in the Oak Room will house Audobon's Book of Birds.

The big gold-tiled box at the rear of the building is the depository for archives and is designed to keep them at optimum temperature and humidity.

We went outside to see the new literary pavement. This will be a very much more emphasised entrance than the former one and the combination of the paving, entrance and lighting compares to the new entrance to the World Museum. The 1850s frontage to the library is physically separated from the floors of the new library as the levels would not coincide - but this new entrance is far superior to the former one.

The 1950s interior of the building has been completely swept away with the only thing remaining being the Liver Bird engraved glass panels that have been incorporated into the new architecture.

I think this place will work to get people into it - it is much more showy than the previous building with literary quotes all over the place and touch screens illustrating the story of the building. Whether it works as a library only time will tell but a large part of it will be a traditional book-centered facility with modern technology working alongside.

The tour was followed by a talk on the project management issues and the structure of the private finance initiative deal. You did get the impression that this has been a really complex project but extremely rewarding.

Martin, yes I was in the group with the Council's PM.

I thought the entrance, including the external works, was really grand and makes an instant impression.

The restoration works to the Picton reading room, Oak room and Hornby library was very well done.

I also really liked some of details like the LED lights on the hand rail and the panels from the old staircases that are inserted above the lifts.

Generally I just imagine the place will have a very good vibe and attract a lot of people once it opens.

I took a few photos on my phone, they don't do the place justice but here's a link anyway. (hopefully it works, I've never added photos before)

Try Again

http://www.flickr.com/photos/93993821@N03/

Try Again

http://www.flickr.com/photos/93993821@N03/

Thanks for posting them. The central staircase looks great in your pictures.

Glad to see the main entrance has been opened out and made more of a feature. Was always slightly hidden away pre revamp.

Skyscrapercity members everywhere it seems!

I was there last night too, was amazed to be honest, I remember a bit of the old library and it's such a transformation!

Liked the photos Inigo. I took some with my camera phone but I doubt they will be that good and I can never work out how to download them.

One interesting feature for me was the exposed exterior of the Hornby Library and Oak Room (the yellow brick building now internal to the new library). I was trying to work out just what the building must have looked like when these were outside. I suppose they must have looked out into a courtyard.

Has anyone got a photograph of what the Museum block looked like from the flyover side before WWII?

If this place isn't constantly rammed full of people I'd be astonished. It looks quite magnificent.

Moving by the book at Liverpool Central Library

Link (http://www.andrewporterltd.co.uk/removals/business-corporate-commercial-relocation/newsletter/june-2012/)


More than 40,000 linear metres of books will be moved during the four-month project, which is due to begin in late November. Rare and valuable items, including the £5m Audubon's "Birds of America" that will have its own dedicated room in the new library, will be kept under close guard in secure transportation.

The complex project will involve consolidating, re-packing and re-labelling the collection so that the books can easily be placed back on the shelves and in the repository in the correct order. The fabric of the Grade II* library building itself will also be protected during the removal process.

We will also help to sustainably dispose of redundant library furniture and equipment, in line with Liverpool City Council's environmental policies


http://www.andrewporterltd.co.uk/media/12626/some_of_the_collection_to_be_moved_back_to_liverpool_central_library.jpg

Liverpool's Central Library to light up for re-opening

Liverpool's Central Library building will be lit up with an interactive digital display to celebrate its re-opening after a £50m refurbishment.

Giant books will be projected onto the facade and whenever a book is chosen from a carousel below, it will appear on the walls with its own animation.

The display takes place on 16 and 17 May and the library, which was shut for two years, opens on 17 May.

A month-long literary festival is also being held in celebration.

The In Other Words festival, which starts with a World Book Night event on 23 April, will include shows from broadcaster Lord Bragg, journalist Janet Street-Porter and horror author James Herbert.
'Sense of wonder'

As part of the digital light display, a carousel containing copies of the books shown on the wall will be placed outside the library.

When members of the public pick a book it will come to life on the wall - for example if Alice in Wonderland is selected, Alice will be seen leaping from window to window, peering into the newly refurbished building.

The show runs from 21:15 until 22:00 BST on May 16, and from 21:15 BST until midnight on May 17.

Liverpool City Council's cabinet member for culture and tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon, said the event is "a fantastic way to mark this cultural gem's new lease of life".

She added: "There is a huge amount of anticipation around the re-opening of Central Library and we want to make it a special event."

Rob Vale, from digital projection experts Illuminos, said: "Through the projection artwork we're hoping to bring the building to life, to catch some of that sense of wonder that we can all experience when we open a book and our imaginations run wild."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-22209874

[B][SIZE="4"]The In Other Words festival, which starts with a World Book Night event on 23 April, will include shows from broadcaster Lord Bragg, journalist Janet Street-Porter and horror author James Herbert.

That should be interesting, what with James Herbert being dead and everything.

Pic by brian.mason32 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/33593746@N03/8684803760/in/pool-52242121198@N01/)
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I really can't wait to take a look inside when this is finished. Looks fantastic.

It certainly does, that looks superb.

The Mabinogion! I used to have to read them at school.

That does indeed look superb, wouldn't look out of place in ancient Rome. Sure it will be put to good use and inspire a new generation of scholars, poets, literary giants and wordsmiths. Here's to the future. :cheers1:

Official Re-Opening Of Central Library & LightNight Projection

10.00 – 00.00

The doors open for the first time at the newly refurbished Central Library. Be one of the first to explore this beautiful building, from the beautifully restored Hornby Library and Oak Room to the new Children’s Library and rooftop terrace.

During LightNight from dusk to midnight come along to view the spell-binding light and sound projection (from 21.15) which will see book shelves come alive in a spectacular and interactive animation on the historic façade of Central Library. Watch again and again as the library tells a story of the books held inside, specially selected by the public from the ‘magic’ carousel. This will be a highlight of In Other Words and LightNight and is not to be missed.

BBC Radio Merseyside will be broadcasting throughout the day from Central Library.

http://www.lightnightliverpool.co.uk/2013/official-re-opening-of-central-library-lightnight-projection/

Going to be an interesting evening. Anyone know what time the Queen Mary arrives and departs - is it all on the same day?

Exquisite building, can't wait to visit this! I just wish they would fill that niche above the entrance with a statue or something - it would make the world of difference - looks a bit empty at the moment!

From here:http://www.flickr.com/photos/95597250@N06/with/8719192653/#photo_8719192653

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well, breathtaking to say the least

Great pics thanks for posting Kite

Much better than I anticipated, it looks fantastic.

Fantastic it is indeed.

The Hornby library and surrounding area is the icing on the cake for me. A real treat that despite far too many years studying there, I knew nothing about.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/liverpools-revamped-central-library-citys-3670734

Here's the Echo article on it with a gallery to see more pics folks!

I've got a couple of hours off work on Friday to go and peek about in this. I can't wait.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/liverpools-revamped-central-library-citys-3670734

Here's the Echo article on it with a gallery to see more pics folks!

Some good pics there.

http://i4.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article3662649.ece/ALTERNATES/s1227b/GRJ070513CENTRAL-1-3662649.jpg

http://i2.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article3662660.ece/ALTERNATES/s1227b/GRJ070513CENTRAL-6-3662660.jpg

This video is from January this year

rtNYKlqDzKQ

A really proud day for the city today. I've just returned from Central Library - I'll post some images later ( I'm certain there will be many more pictures posted over this weekend too). It looked just great; and The Hornby Reading Room is fantastic ( never seen it before!). The views from the roof terrace are wonderful.

The sun was shining this morning - the tour buses were full, and Queen Mary II had docked. I felt so proud and so touched. The city looks beautiful, with so much more to come. After so many dark years, we now have something to really smile about.

There's so many events coming up over the Summer I'd imagine every weekend will give you that feel good factor too.

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contd on next post...

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I took 240 pictures today, so this is just a small selection. I also got some good skyline and panoramic pics from the roof terrace. They will be on my thread a little later.

Can't wait to visit. I do wish they didn't feel the need to indulge in such patronising signage: "Read"; "Create", "Inspire", "Enquire". Do people really need to be told to read and think? Or be given permission? Or encouraged? It's terribly patronising. Should they also spell out in huge letters "Shit" on the way to the toilets? It's not just this library, it's the modern way, but I'll be pleased when the fashion moves on and such ludicrous signs are taken down.

First impressions. Very smartly turned out. Feels a bit smaller than the old library as the rear half of the footprint isn't open to the public. That's where they store stuff and have administration etc. Really bright, the old refurbished areas are fantastic too. Overall, a very impressive 8.5/10.

A really proud day for the city today. I've just returned from Central Library - I'll post some images later ( I'm certain there will be many more pictures posted over this weekend too). It looked just great; and The Hornby Reading Room is fantastic ( never seen it before!). The views from the roof terrace are wonderful.

The sun was shining this morning - the tour buses were full, and Queen Mary II had docked. I felt so proud and so touched. The city looks beautiful, with so much more to come. After so many dark years, we now have something to really smile about.


great great great
and it is just the beginning, Liverpool is back on the world scene!!!

I was blown away by this place tonight. One of the wonders of Liverpool.

I was blown away by this place tonight. One of the wonders of Liverpool.

I hope that you weren't on the roof terrace at the time. ;)

The library is absolutely something else, a must see to show visitors to the city.

I agree about the casual use of verbs signposting the walls though, a silly trend, and one that will quickly date.

Visited today. Amazingly good. It oozes quality and many good and brave decisions by architects and designers and commissioners and project managers - I hope all those involved get the praise and recognition they deserve, and that this wins a good quality architecture prize.

It's not just the bold conception but the details everywhere are thought through: a standout for me is the shimmering golden wall - I took a photo but its come out silvery, so I'll leave it to someone with photographic skills to show it. Given the budget I'm going to be more generous than buggedboy and award this 10/10 - if the budget were millions more I would have liked it to be a bit bigger (if that is physically possible) and for more escalators into the higher floors. Imagine what this team would have achieved if they'd been responsible for the Museum of Liverpool? In so many ways this shows how to do it where the Museum didn't quite hit the mark.

I loved the way people were already using it today, relaxing into it as if it had always been just like it is, and even taking it for granted. I can't think of any other library that's got such a vibe - it's so much more exciting and - a word I don't blush to use - inspiring - than any other library including the British Library.

I feel slightly ashamed to say it, as I used to use that library a bit when I was younger, but I had no idea the Hornby Library even existed, that is a complete revelation to me. Or the Oak Room. Liverpool feels like a much richer city for having this gem.

It's just a joy, I'm going to return soon and just enjoy it and might even read something! People using Lime Street station can treat it like a swanky waiting room. I think this library may be a victim of its own success and draw in people from far and wide. This is surely a regional and national asset, not just one for the lucky people of Liverpool.

Views from the new roof terrace...

http://web.onetel.net.uk/~howardpaterson/uploads/sIMG_0887.jpg

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Excellent photographs all.
The library looks fantastic. :applause:

The library really is a splendid achievement. I soon agree with the comments about the words on walls and pavement, eater bin ole and condescending. Hopefully they will fall off soon and not be replaced. The historic rooms and the rare books and manuscripts are a real tourist attraction. To think that these where locked away. I also love the new spaces that have been created.

now that this superb building is alive and kicking, attracting people and expanding its cultural energy, think that the ultra wide road at the backside of the Library should be transformed into a boulevard style avenue, with a great square in front of the museum & library complex...traffic calmed, houses built, new neighbourhoods created, anchoring the central area to that vast, cleared area to the N and NW

regards from ancient navarre

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Some from very late on opening night

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Having spent so much time there when I was younger, I was really eager to see the re-opened library. I took my eldest daughter on Saturday and the excitement and wonder on her face as we went around told me all I needed to know.

I used to spend my time there in the International section, which is now the Children's area. We got two books out and she has nearly finished them both already. She can't wait to go back, and neither can I.

Having gone back again, the only real area for improvemen is the lack of desk space to sit and work. The Picton Reading room alone has enough room for 2 more banks of 4 desks.