City of Wolverhampton Council in the UK has selected Speller Metcalfe as its preferred contractor to deliver major works for the Central Library and Adult Education Wolverhampton facilities. 

This is a part of the £61m ($77.37m) second phase of the wider City Learning Quarter development. 

Construction company Metcalfe has secured the preconstruction contract.

It will now proceed with developing detailed designs and undertaking some preparatory works before the main contract and full-scale construction commences in late 2024. 

The Central Library's refurbishment will focus on restoring the Grade II Listed building's facade on Snow Hill. 

This project will comprise adding a new roof, internal remodelling, a new rear entrance lobby, and landscaping.  

Meanwhile, the Alan Garner Centre, part of Adult Education Wolverhampton on Old Hall Street, will also be remodelled internally.  

A two-storey glazed link building will be constructed to connect it to the Central Library's 1930s extension. 

This is expected to create a digitally enabled, modernised Central Library and expanded adult education facilities in the city. 

Despite the works, both the Central Library and Adult Education Wolverhampton will remain operational throughout the project, which is set for completion in late 2025.  

The development is funded by West Midlands Combined Authority.

In March, the first phase of the project reached a milestone with the centre becoming weatherproof. 

Metcalfe director Matthew Bailey said: “We’re delighted to be working with City of Wolverhampton Council on another phase of works for the City Learning Quarter.  

“The Advance Technology and Automotive Centre project has been a success and we look forward to carrying this success through to the next project. Restoring heritage and listed buildings is the bread and butter of our team and we're pleased to have been appointed for this scheme.”