Building work began on the library in November 2010 and was completed in January 2013. It took four months to restock more than four million items ranging from books, DVDs, archives and records.
A new five-storey library was built behind the retained grade 2*-listed historic façade. The main features are a new central atrium with domed roof to mirror the Picton Roof and new entrance on William Brown Street. A new five-storey archive and a specialist climate controlled repository which will store the city's archives and rare treasures. The historic Picton Library, Hornby Library and the Oak Room were all restored.
The system which went in on time was commissioned by PAS engineers over several days. By utilising the latest STIPA testing methods, we were able to demonstrate that the system produced very satisfactory intelligibility results.
The unique PA requirements for the venue required special modifications to the standard VA equipment which were carried out by PAS engineers in close cooperation with the equipment manufacturers.
Microphones at the main reception desk and security office enable staff to utilise the VA system as a public address facility to contact and inform members of the public, whilst the fire alarm detection system will automatically trigger pre-recorded evacuation messages to the building in the event of an alarm being activated.