Contact | Oct 10 Region in focus

47

REGENERATION

Innovative new library complex is Big City Plan flagship

Construction is under way on the new £193m Library of Birmingham. Designed by the internationally- acclaimed Dutch architect Mecanoo Architecten, it will be constructed by Carillion and is due for completion in 2013. The development is a flagship project of the Big

City Plan, focusing on the regeneration of the city, one of the most ambitious city centre development projects ever undertaken in the UK. The Big City Plan will drive forward the next 20 years of development in central Birmingham with a £17bn investment and the aim of creating 43,000 jobs for Birmingham people. The Library will occupy a prime site on Centenary

Square between the Birmingham Repertory Theatre (The REP) and Baskerville House. At 31,000m2

, the Library, which will be integrated

with The REP at ground floor and mezzanine levels, will provide 20% more space than the existing Birmingham Central Library and will be able to take up to 10,000 visitors a day, double the current figure. The highly transparent glass building is wrapped

in a delicate metal filigree. The generous shared entrance to the Library and the REP will be sheltered below a public balcony, creating a magnificent space to watch events in the square. Above the balcony will be a second open-air space, an elevated garden with spectacular views over the city. The REP will be also be renovated and equipped

with updated facilities, new foyers and a new 300- seat studio theatre to be shared between the REP

and the library. A circular open-air amphitheatre in front of the building is also planned. The library is aiming for a BREEAM “excellent”

rating. The building is set to feature an aquifer ground source cooling system, a brown roof and two green outdoor terraces, combined heat and power technology to reduce waste, and energy- efficient lighting systems and controls. A “living wall” on the building site hoardings in Centenary Square has already been put in place – the first of its kind in the world. The Library of Birmingham is also a cornerstone

of Birmingham’s bid to be City of Culture 2013 and its opening would coincide with the celebrations if Birmingham is selected.

Double help for young professionals

The CIOB West Midlands has launched two new initiatives to help young construction professionals. A new mentoring service aims to help those

going through the professional review process. Volunteer members who have experience in the process, in particular the interview stage, will help those going through the process of upgrading their membership. They will advise on the process and offer guidance on the content of the interview presentation. The West Midlands Branch has also launched

its own Novus group. Run by a team of young professionals either within current roles in the construction industry, or connected with educational institutes, Novus will provide support and advice on progressing membership and networking opportunities. Planned CPD events include a pre-launch in October 2010, and a main launch in March 2011.

If you are interested about further involvement with Novus or the mentoring service please contact Lorna Gagie at lgagie@ciob.org.uk

The flagship Library of Birmingham

In the Chair Geoff Minshull Chair of West Midlands Branch

How has CIOB membership benefited your career? As Chair at Centre and Branch level, I increased my opportunities to network with many professionals and organisations. Representing the CIOB on the WM Business Council (now WM Business Voice) and WM Regional Assembly for six years has widened my perspective of business outside the construction arena. Representing the WM Branch on the Members Forum, which I chaired during its inaugural year in 2008, and prior to that, as a member of Council, gave me the opportunity to work with many of the industry’s leaders in debates, workshops and committees. This has increased my confidence and ability to deal with a surprising number of parallel challenges in my work life, and also given me a route back to very senior people with innovative ideas, often challenging the norm, whenever I have needed advice and guidance.

What do you hope to bring to the role of Chair? To continue to build on the initiatives of previous Committee, particularly in relation to the development of an effective Novus group. I also want to link our exceptional West Midlands annual event, the Celebrating Construction dinner, with the annual CMYA event, giving an opportunity to highlight the excellent work by managers of projects within the West Midlands.

What challenges does the West Midlands construction sector face? The West Midlands has been particularly hard hit by the industry downturn and the impending budget cuts in relation to the public sector. Our challenge is the retention of a skilled workforce, ready to meet the upturn when it comes, since many have sought work away from the region or outside the UK in these difficult times. However, all is not doom and gloom; there is still significant activity on major projects in the region, such as the new library and the Birmingham Gateway project.