New £193m library design revealed

New library to replace 'monstrosity'

Designs for a £193m library for Birmingham have been unveiled.

The Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square would be mostly made of glass and partly integrated with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre (Rep).

The facility, including public balconies and elevated gardens, is due to open in 2013.

The project would create 250 new jobs, organisers said. The city council has said the present building in Paradise Place is outdated.

The current library was once referred to by Prince Charles as looking like "a place where books are incinerated, not kept".

Construction on the new library is due to start next year.

The new facility, close to Baskerville House, is to be integrated with the Rep at ground floor and mezzanine level.

'Flagship project'

The shared entrance would be below a public balcony.

The Rep is also to be renovated under the plans, which include new workshops and new staff accommodation.

New foyers and a 300-seat studio theatre are planned which would be shared by the Rep and the library.

The developers said the library would provide 20% more space than the existing facility.

They said it would be capable of accommodating up to 10,000 visitors a day, doubling the figure for the current building.

Dutch architects Mecanoo Architecten are behind the design.

Public consultation on the design will run from mid-April through to mid-May.

The Library of Birmingham development has been described as a "flagship project" of the Big City Plan focusing on the regeneration of the city.

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Those behind the plans for Birmingham's planned £193m library in Centenary Square speak about the project.