New chapter as £46m library for uni is set to get green light

Luton Borough Council’s development control committee is later on today (Wednesday) due to be told that the building in Park Street will generate at least 10 per cent of its own energy through solar panels on the roof.

If councillors decide the four-storey Fairview House on the junction of Cumberland Street, Vicarage Street and Park Street can be replaced, building work is due to start in August this year.

The University of Bedfordshire expects the work to be completed by August 2015.

In recommending approval for the new building, council officers were impressed. The report to councillors reads: “The proposed building would create noticeable improvements to the streetscene and the surrounding setting. Its design and scale are appropriate for its location and minimal impact will occur on the adjoining occupiers.

“There remain some highway issues that need to be addressed but this will be done outside of the planning process. The development will be a positive addition to this part of the town and is considered to be acceptable.”

Officials believe the new building, which will have 7,400 sq m of space over seven storeys, will set the standard for development in the town centre.

The new library marks the latest stage in the development of the university. There will be a ground floor cafe, study spaces and a 30 per cent increase in book stocks.

Since 2006, some £90million has been invested in facilities and new buildings at the Luton campus, including a £20million Postgraduate and Continuing Professional Development Centre opened in February.

The new Postgraduate and Continuing Professional Development Centre, in Park Square, Luton, is one of only 10 such centres in the country and was opened by universities minister David Willetts. The centre will enable people to benefit from research and learning in areas including business and management.