Work has begun on a £4 million state-of-the-art upgrade to Abertay University’s library.
The first phase of the refurbishment will continue throughout the summer, with the library re-opening on Monday August 28.
University bosses see the project as a major investment in the education and welfare of students and staff, providing the very latest in interactive technology and support services.
All four levels of the library, which is also open to the general public, will be completely refurbished, along with a plant room on level five.
The project’s initial phase will focus on the redevelopment of levels one and two.
The upgrade will include a new café and extensive facilities aimed at the comfort and convenience of staff and students.
More than £200,000 will be spent on new furniture, while the interior design scheme is contemporary and incorporates the colours of Abertay’s branding.
A new feature on level two of the library will be a ‘creative design suite’ — a multi-purpose room.
Laptop lockers and charging stations will be included in the concept, while the introduction of acoustic partitions and acoustically absorptive materials will be used strategically throughout to cut down on intrusive sound levels.
Abertay’s Project Director, Michael Turpie, said the redevelopment will give the university’s students some of the best study facilities in the UK.
He revealed: “Our aim is to create a learning centre fully kitted out to utilise state-of-the-art study, collaboration and learning facilities.
“It is a public building and is open for use so we welcome people to come in and see it and use it when complete.
“Many of the existing fixtures and fittings were dated and at the end of their anticipated useful life. There were also issues related to the control of temperature, light and ventilation, which often featured in student feedback.”
The start of the redevelopment comes after the opening of a £3.5 million revamp of the university’s food and science labs.
The original Bernard King Library opened in 1998.
Students and staff have been consulted throughout the process via the likes of surveys, comment cards and focus groups.
The university has employed award-winning library designers, ADP, to provide both architectural and interior design services.
Pick Everard is providing the remaining consultancy services while the main contractors are Kier Construction.
