A £60m project to draw together Worcester's city centre public library, history centre, record office and the university library has been unveiled.
The joint Private Finance Initiative (PFI) project between Worcestershire County Council, the University of Worcester with support from the regional development agency Advantage West Midlands and Worcester City Council is believed to be the first of its kind in Europe.
The Library and History Centre aims to be carbon neutral and the building will be naturally ventilated and heated using biomass boilers, using water from the River Severn to provide additional cooling to create a low energy healthy environment.
Councillor Stephen Clee of Worcestershire County Council said: "The Library and History Centre will be a building that stands out for years to come. It's the use of sustainable materials and systems that mark it out as a building that is sure to win awards."
April 9 2009