Reading: University library gets green light for £40m redevelopment
A £40 million redevelopment and refurbishment of The University of Reading Library starting this June, has been approved by the University Council.
The second phase of the complete modernisation and revamp of the Library will increase space for individual and group study, and will better use of the space currently available on the ground and first floors.
“The Library has always played a central role in our life and work, with its location at the very heart of the University’s Whiteknights campus,” said vice-chancellor Sir David Bell.
“We have invested £4.4m in the top four floors of the Library as a first phase of redevelopment and this major new investment of £40m will complete the project. We will combine traditional and crucial functions such as book and journal collections with group study facilities, great digital access and multi-purpose spaces.
“Our Library has never been a static, sepulchral space. It has continued to evolved over its 50 year history and as these excellent new facilities become available to students and staff.”
The University Council approved the £25 million building costs, with an additional £15 million costs of keeping the Library fully operational, contingency funding, VAT and project management.
The redevelopment will provide better access and security across the building as well as improving its energy efficiency, as a result of improved insulation and ventilation.
New lifts will be installed, and an improved service for borrowing and returning books will be put into place.
The exterior of the building will be totally re-clad and will have replacement windows fitted throughout, providing a striking focal point at the heart of the Whiteknights campus.
The Library will remain fully operational to students across the entirety of the redevelopment, with work anticipated to be completed by the end of 2019. No building work will take place at all during exam periods.
The major redevelopment comes after the first £4.4m phase revamped the study spaces and furniture on the second, third, fourth and fifth floors.
Planning permission for the project was granted by Reading Borough Council last December.
