AECOM delivered a range of services for a project to refurbish and extend Liverpool’s landmark Central Library. The project included the refurbishment of the original 1860s building and a major new extension. AECOM’ services included the BREEAM assessment, helping the building achieve a “very good” rating. In addition, AECOM’ ecologists conducted habitat surveys and advised on bat roosting.
A new five-storey library was constructed behind the original Grade II listed façade, creating a new atrium with a domed roof to mirror the building’s historic architecture. Many of the building’s original rooms, including the historic Picton Reading Room, have been sensitively restored. Other facilities include a café, roof terrace, and a new archive with a specialised climate controlled repository to store the city’s rare archives and treasures. The restored Hornby library will house the only copy of John James Audubon’s Birds of America held by a public institution.
A number of sustainable design features helped the building achieve its BREEAM “very good” rating . These include the large glass atrium that increases the amount of daylight into the building, reducing the need for heating and electric lighting and saving 5% of the building’s annual energy consumption. A biodiesel generator and rainwater harvesting with an electronic display shows visitors how much water has been collected and re-used. Building materials were either re-used on site or responsibly sourced during construction and dedicated recyclable waste storage areas have been installed.