Birmingham University Library

The new University of Birmingham library is a huge undertaking and the multi million pound project was awarded to construction company, Carillion. The library will provide outstanding facilities for future generations of students and researchers, as well as a cultural space for the residents of Birmingham. The new library will provide 13,000 square metres of floor space over six levels.

The new library will include study and research desks located near to the windows to allow users to benefit from natural light and views across the campus. It will also offer a variety of learning spaces and include a state-of-the-art audio listening room, and four video editing booths to enhance the existing facilities already available on campus.

The new building will offer a 50 percent reduction in energy usage compared to the existing library, helping the university to achieve a 20 percent CO2 reduction, and the building will have a Excellent BREEAM rating.

Hoard-it were asked by Carillion to create a site hoarding solution. The installation process required a lot of flexibility, as multiple hoarding line changes were required. The hoarding solution we delivered cover 700 LM, with 4 vehicle gates, in an area of the city that was busy with services, and was subject to road closures. This required Hoard-it to dismantle and reinstall the hoarding panels multiple times across several weeks.

Throughout this process, the hoarding had to maintain the Carillion corporate image, with a site graphics solution, as well as maintaining security of the site and safety for the general public.

During the construction of the new Birmingham University library, which was designed by Dutch architects, Mecanoo, the construction company were committed to getting 250 local people back into work, as well as creating 25 new apprenticeships. Carillion worked closely with Birmingham City Council’s Employment Access Team, and several construction apprentices were involved with the library project.