Liverpool Central Library and Archive Project

Liverpool Central Library news, William Brown St building, Merseyside architects design

Liverpool Central Library Building

Architectural Development in north west England design by Austin-Smith:Lord Architects

20 Jun 2013

Address: Liverpool Central Library, William Brown St, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 8EN, England, UK

Liverpool Central Library Building

Design: Austin-Smith:Lord Architects

The Liverpool Central Library and Archive Project is a unique and prestigious scheme within the heart of Liverpool’s World Heritage Site. The project provides an 8000m2 library and specialist archive and restores 4000m2 of Grade II listed historic buildings on William Brown Street.

Liverpool Central Library and Archive Project
photo © Keith Hunter

Liverpool Central Library and Archive Project Building

Azzurro Ltd was appointed sole FF&E supplier by Shepherd Construction and worked with and advised the architects, Austin Smith Lord, on product.

The scheme comprised in excess of 8,000 lin. metres of library shelving, ICT workstations, seating elements for break-out, staff and visitors. The core library units installed within the library spaces are Schulz Speyer’s Ratio and Uniflex systems manufactured in Germany. These systems incorporated canopy lighting and illuminated end panels. Provision was made to accommodate DVD/CD storage, journal display units, map cabinets, face on book display and bespoke table displays. A large percentage of the shelving is mobile to give the library flexibility in the future.

Liverpool Central Library Liverpool Central Library Liverpool Central Library Liverpool Central Library building by Austin-Smith:Lord Architects Liverpool Central Library
photos © Keith Hunter

Installation took place from October 2012 to February 2013. The value of the contract to Azzurro was £1.2million.

A new six-floor library, with an exciting atrium, gives the City of Liverpool a library for the 21st Century. The library connects to the historic Picton Library, the Hornby Library and Oak Room giving these areas a new lease of life and bringing them into public use. A new archive repository provides storage for Liverpool’s most valuable collections and includes first class facilities for preservation and research.

The main objectives of the design were to provide a new building that supports the new service concept for the Library and a low energy, efficient, sustainable solution that reuses the historic parts of the building with the appropriate levels of sustainability.

The Liverpool Central Library officially opened May 2013.

William Brown Street Building William Brown Street Building renewal by Austin-Smith:Lord Merseyside building design by Austin-Smith:Lord Architects Liverpool Central Library
photos © Keith Hunter

Information on Azzurro

Azzurro Ltd is an independent furniture consultant for commercial interiors who work hand in hand with architects and designers to source, supply and deliver interior solutions for private and public sector clients. Their expertise is in their knowledge of furniture, ability to project manage large installations, knowledge of regulatory requirements and ability to reconcile aesthetic considerations within budget restraints.

Liverpool Library Building information from Azzurro ; photos from Keith Hunter Photography

Phone: 0151 233 3000

Liverpool Central Library
Liverpool Central Library
photo : Ben Aston (all rights reserved) courtesy of Shepherd Construction

Austin-Smith:Lord Architects

Location: William Brown St, Liverpool, L3 8EN, Merseyside, Northwest England, UK

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