Construction began In October 2019 on a new, four-storey, extension to the Library building. The extension would comprise of three purpose-built floors of additional Library Space with a fourth, independently accessed lower-ground floor that will provide a space for teaching activities and the Students’ Union Societies.

Prior to construction, staff and students were consulted via a variety of workshops and surveys aimed at steering architects, Scott Brownrigg, through the design stages. During their quest to define a clear concept, the need for a strong theme of wellbeing was identified, which was to become entwined into every aspect of the design, from the ground up.

Phil Cheeseman, Assistant Director of Academic Services for the Library said: “It was great to see such a positive outcome from users of the Library and in particular the amount of engagement we got from students. The Library is such an important building on campus and the feedback is a great sign that everyone welcomes the project. We are very excited to see how the extra space and new facilities improve what is already a very popular Library.”

Features such as the open plan study spaces, living walls and ‘window to the world’ help to create a calm, modern environment with plenty of lighting and, thanks to the carefully selected plants that make up the living walls and the wonders of photosynthesis, naturally filtered air to keep the conditions just right for studying, night or day.

The architects wanted to develop an idea that was in keeping with the existing building, whilst introducing new spaces and providing improved facilities. Furniture was key to achieving this, and so the architects took to workshops and displayed furniture in the foyer of the Library for people to feedback on.

The consultation stage ended in May 2019 with designs being drawn up and approved by the University in July 2019 The project quickly gained traction with the main contractor coming on board in September last year.

The nature of the project, and the need for it to connect to the existing Library, called for a carefully planned programme. The Library is a popular and busy study environment and the programme takes account of the need to minimise disruption by scheduling particularly noisy or disruptive aspects of the construction works outside of peak times and University ‘exam periods’.

The early stages of construction have been completed with, excavating and laying foundations. The current stage will see the steel frame of the building erected and concrete ‘floorboards’ installed to all levels. After that, the external walls and roof can be constructed to make the building weather tight before starting the internal works.

To minimise disruption to the Library, the building will be constructed independently from the main building before being connected during Summer vacation.

David Griffiths, Project Manager for Lancaster University Facilities Division said: “There are many challenges in the construction of a building such as this but the team are working in close connection with stakeholders to ensure these are managed effectively. We aim to carry out disruptive works at times where the least amount of people are around, such as summer vacation.”

The £11M project will deliver a further 436 new study spaces, an exhibition space, a digital scholarship lab and a variety of break-out spaces. The building will follow a theme similar to the existing Library, designed with wellbeing in mind. Living walls, breakout spaces, hot-water points for making drinks and relaxation areas are just some of the new features that the extension will introduce to the Library building.

Over the coming months, the project team, and staff from the Library will be entering the next phase of consultation with staff and students to determine a plan for the way in which the new space will be used and managed.