Liverpool’s iconic Central Library reveals first glimpse of transformation work
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.
Demolition work on the newer parts of the building – which date from after the library suffered bomb damage during the Second World War – is nearing completion. Specialist equipment was used to make sure neighbouring historic buildings were not affected.
Painstaking restoration work is also being carried out on the Grade II listed parts of the building, including the Picton Room with its famous glazed dome, and the facade on William Brown Street.
Steve Gerard, project leader for main contractor Shepherd Construction, said: “One of the main challenges is making sure the work does not impact on the two historic buildings on either side. We are retaining the original fabric so as not to lose the look or feel of the building.”
Work on the new-look library is due to be completed late in 2012, and will be re-opened to the public in the spring of 2013. The new features will include a “discovery” zone for children, modern IT facilities and a rooftop terrace cafe overlooking St John’s Gardens.
The famous Hornby Library and Oak Reading Rooms will also be fully open to the public for the first time.
Among the features which have been hidden, in some cases since the library was built in the 1850s, are the original roof girders in the Picton International library, and a set of balustrades dating from the 1920s.
One of the most complex tasks is the restoration work now being carried out on the Picton Room dome, which includes the installation of a new glazed roof and the replacement of its zinc cladding. A temporary roof structure has been built over the Picton library while work is carried out.
The demolished buildings at the back of the library complex will make way for a purpose-built climate controlled repository, to house some of the city’s most historic treasures such as the original King John Charter dating from 1207.
Peter Millett, Shepherd Construction’s West Division managing director, 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.”
The city council’s head of libraries, Joyce Little, said: “The restoration of Liverpool’s Central Library has taken more than 10 years in the planning, and it’s exciting to see the project move to the next stage.
"Central Library is one of the UK’s most celebrated public libraries and its regeneration will not only restore the building’s beautiful historic elements, but will also create a 21st-century facility for library users.”
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.
Demolition work on the newer parts of the building – which date from after the library suffered bomb damage during the Second World War – is nearing completion. Specialist equipment was used to make sure neighbouring historic buildings were not affected.
Painstaking restoration work is also being carried out on the Grade II listed parts of the building, including the Picton Room with its famous glazed dome, and the facade on William Brown Street.
Steve Gerard, project leader for main contractor Shepherd Construction, said:
“One of the main challenges is making sure the work does not impact on the two historic buildings on either side. We are retaining the original fabric so as not to lose the look or feel of the building.”
Work on the new-look library is due to be completed late in 2012, and will be re-opened to the public in the spring of 2013. The new features will include a “discovery” zone for children, modern IT facilities and a rooftop terrace cafe overlooking St John’s Gardens.
The famous Hornby Library and Oak Reading Rooms will also be fully open to the public for the first time.
Among the features which have been hidden, in some cases since the library was built in the 1850s, are the original roof girders in the Picton International library, and a set of balustrades dating from the 1920s.
One of the most complex tasks is the restoration work now being carried out on the Picton Room dome, which includes the installation of a new glazed roof and the replacement of its zinc cladding. A temporary roof structure has been built over the Picton library while work is carried out.
The demolished buildings at the back of the library complex will make way for a purpose-built climate controlled repository, to house some of the city’s most historic treasures such as the original King John Charter dating from 1207.
Peter Millett, Shepherd Construction’s West Division managing director, 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.”
The city council’s head of libraries, Joyce Little, said: “The restoration of Liverpool’s Central Library has taken more than 10 years in the planning, and it’s exciting to see the project move to the next stage.
"Central Library is one of the UK’s most celebrated public libraries and its regeneration will not only restore the building’s beautiful historic elements, but will also create a 21st-century facility for library users.”
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