Three vie to build Birmingham library

Carillion, Laing O’Rourke and Sir Robert McAlpine have been short-listed for the £193m Library of Birmingham, due to open in 2013.

The three contractors will be invited to submit a tender by the 1 August and formal interviews will follow with a winning bidder expected to be announced before the end of the year.

A similar exercise to recruit a world-class design team, which will then work with the chosen construction partner on the project, is currently nearing completion with an announcement of the winning architect due later this summer.

The new building will be developed on land adjoining the Birmingham Repertory Theatre (The REP), in Centenary Square, with the library and theatre joining together.

As well as shared reception, auditorium, staff and catering facilities the new building will include purpose-designed study areas, exhibition spaces, and nteractive displays giving access to collections which have regional, national and international importance.

Mike Whitby, Birmingham City council leade r said: “We are determined that the new library, integrated with the REP, will be among the very finest and most user-friendly civic buildings in the world.

"To achieve this it is paramount that we attract the very finest international design and construction partners, which is why I am delighted with the credentials of companies short-listed for each contract.

Stuart Rogers, executive director at the REP, said: “We are delighted with the calibre of companies on this short-list and would look forward to working with any of them to develop the new building.

"All three boast impressive track records building truly iconic landmark developments, and I’m sure would be well capable of handling such a high profile and culturally important project.”