The development, on behalf of the British Library’s development partner SMBL(subsidiary of Mitsui Fudosan UK Ltd.) will be worth £1.1bn
The British Library development will be managed by Stanhope Plc, who will also offer their expertise to Mace for procurement and delivery.
The plans include a 100,000 sq ft extension and over 600,000 sq ft of commercial facilities to connect to the Crossrail 2 infrastructure.
Several public spaces will be added to the British Library
The British Library development will include new exhibition galleries, event spaces, and learning facilities, as well as connections to the existing library. Maker spaces for businesses will also be constructed.
Construction of the site will begin in 2026 after the design process is complete and planning conditions met, and the expected completion date is in 2032.
Jason Millett, Mace Group Chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be selected as Construction Manager for the British Library development proposals. This is a high-profile project with international significance, and Mace’s long-established expertise and track record in delivering other major schemes make us well placed for this role.”
Mace won the role over Sir Robert McAlpine, who built the original grade I-listed 1990s landmark Library. Multiplex also lost out on the contract earlier in the process.
The proposals are not without controversy
Less 10% of the new 12-storey building will contain library space, with the rest designated for life sciences office occupiers and a new headwuarters for the Alan Turing Institute.
Several buildings north of the main library are due to be demolished as part of the scheme, including the 2007 British Library Centre for Conservation, designed by Long & Kentish.
The British Library is the latest in Mace’s high profile project portfolio
Mace has previously worked on major London projects, including The Shard, the London 2012 Olympics infrastructure, and Heathrow’s Terminal 5.
In February last year, it was announced that Mace would be part of a joint venture to work on the Hudson Tunnel project in the US, which will improve connections between New York, New Jersey, and Washington D.C.
At the end of July, Mace also announced that Goldman Sachs had made a majority investment into the Mace Consult business, essentially taking control and allowing Mace to focus on construction.
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