The Hive is the successful culmination of a groundbreaking partnership between Worcester County Council and the University of Worcester to create a fully integrated public and university library. This is an idea completely new to the UK and highly innovative internationally. The Hive is also home to the county archives and record office, a local history centre, and the county’s archaeology service.
Our task was to design a truly accessible building that would not preclude any potential visitor or staff member using all the facilities.
More than 18,000 people have signed up since its opening, marking a 500 per cent increase on the old Library. Book borrowing has been up by 10 percent, and the project has been awarded a BREEAM Outstanding rating.
Client: University of Worcester and Worcestershire County Council
Location: Worcestershire
Construction value: £35,800,000
Completion: January 2012