Library booked

Wolverhampton-based building services and construction company, Carillion, has won a £157m contract to build a new library for Birmingham City Council.

The library will be developed on land adjoining the Birmingham Repertory theatre in Centenary Square. The library and theatre will share reception, studio performance and catering space. The facility will also include study and interactive display areas.

Birmingham City Council hopes the building will set new standards for libraries and act as an innovative resource centre for culture and information.

Construction is due to begin in 2010 and is scheduled for completion by 2013.

John McDonough, Carillion chief executive, said: ‘We are delighted to have been selected for this important contract, further enhancing our strong, long-term order book. We look forward to working with Birmingham City Council to deliver this prestigious project, which will provide state-of-the-art facilities for local people for decades to come.’