Centenary Square library 'will get twice the visitors of Birmingham Central Library'

Nov 27 2009 by Paul Dale, Birmingham Mail

Birmingham’s Centenary Square library will be visited by 10,000 people a day, making it Europe’s busiest public building, city council bosses have claimed.

It’s forecast that twice as many people will pass through the doors of the 10-storey glass-fronted structure than use the Central Library in Paradise Forum.

Planners yesterday gave the go-ahead for the £193 million scheme, but there was limited support for the controversial design. The city council planning committee recorded a split decision, with seven members backing the design, one against and three refusing to vote.

One committee member, former Lord Mayor Mick Sharpe, said the new library would be a “monstrosity”.

A cage of circular metal hoops covering the building was designed by Dutch architects Mecanoo to mark Birmingham’s industrial heritage and craftsmanship in metalwork.

The library, to be built next to Baskerville House, will be amalgamated with the Rep theatre and is due to open in 2013.