Anelay starts restoration work at Liverpool library

MANCHESTER-based building conservation and restoration specialist William Anelay has begun work on the Grade II listed Picton, Hornby and Oak reading rooms at Liverpool Central Library. 

The project, which is due to last 67 weeks, is part of the £50m redevelopment of Liverpool Central Library and Archive.

William Anelay is part of a joint venture called the Inspire Partnershhip which is carrying out the work. It is made up of Amber Infrastructure, International Public Partnerships, Shepherd Construction, architects Austin-Smith Lord, Buro Happold and Cofely.

The roofs of the reading rooms will be repaired, including the reslating of Hornby and Oak using blue Welsh slate, and a new zinc roof will be added to the dome of the Picton library. 

All three will benefit from new lead guttering and masonry repairs to the façade. Internally the libraries will see extensive plaster work repairs and the restoration of bookcases.

William Anelay’s managing director Vernon Carter said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Shepherd Construction on such a major project to extend the life span and expand the facilities of a building of such local importance.”

Established in 1747, William Anelay employs almost 100 staff and had a turnover in 2009 of £17m.