Cofely is to provide a total facilities management package to the new Liverpool Central Library and Archive for a period of 25 years.
The funding for the £50million investment was agreed and the contracts signed in July.
This development extends Cofely's relationship with investment company Amber Infrastructure, with whom it has successfully partnered on a number of PPP and PFI schemes in the UK.
This major project involves the restoration of the Grade II listed parts of the building, which date back to 1860, with full demolition and reconstruction of areas behind the neo-classical facades. The new spaces will provide a home for the Liverpool Record Office, increased archive capacity and a range of new facilities for library users.
Liverpool City Council was keen to ensure that lifecycle issues were integrated into the design of the building. To that end, Cofely has been, from the early stages, advising on issues that will impact the ongoing facilities management, including design and infrastructure resilience, product selection, energy usage and efficiencies.
Cofely's experience of managing facilities in publicly accessible spaces and in maintaining archives, such as the British Library, has proved invaluable in this respect.
As a result of the improved facilities, Liverpool City Council will be able to exhibit one of their most valuable items for the first time.
The four volumes of
The Birds of America by John James Audubon and described as the 'greatest natural book ever produced', will be on show to the general public.
Cofely will ensure the library and repository are maintained to exact atmospheric and environmental conditions required by the Council, and British Standards for Repository and Archives (BS5454).
Demolition of the existing library is due to begin in autumn 2010 with construction of the new facility starting in 2011. It is expected to open at the end of 2012.