PRINCE Charles has been suggested as a suitable VIP to cut the ribbon on the new Library of Birmingham when it opens in two years’ time.

The heir to the throne famously described the exisisting Central Library as “looking more like a place for burning books than keeping them”.

And his name was raised as Birmingham City Council’s leisure and culture watchdog committee quizzed the city’s chief librarian Brian Gambles on progress on the £188 million Centenary Square project.

Committee member Coun David Pears (Con, Sutton Trinity) asked: “Have we invited Prince Charles to open it in 2013?”

Mr Gambles replied: “We haven’t booked him yet. Someone will have to take a view on who the right person will be nearer the time.”

The committee, meeting on the library construction site, praised the project for being on time and already under budget, having been initially costed at £193 million.

Mr Gambles explained the cost had been cut due to a competitive tender from builder Carillion and said he expected more savings to be made before the building was complete.

He said: “We are on programme and below budget on the biggest cultural development project in Europe.

“I think, as a city, we can be proud of that because not every major public sector project is on budget.”

The outside of the building is expected to be completed by the end of next year. Work will then begin on fitting out the interior before books and archives will be moved from the Central Library.

The cross-party committee was also keen on the prospect of raising income from library visitors through cafes, shops and research services. Mr Gambles said there were likely to be two cafes or restaurants, one on the ground floor fronting Centenary Square and another on the balcony overlooking the Square.

He added: “We want to sell merchandise and are in early discussions with retailers.”