G F Tomlinson has completed the construction work on a new public archive centre in the West Midlands.
The Archive and Local History Centre in Dudley was completed for its client Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council. It replaces the existing centre in Coseley which was deemed to be inadequate with limited storage space.
Andy Sewards, director at G F Tomlinson, said: “The new building has a striking design and the scheme has achieved a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating, demonstrating that it is therefore energy efficient and has a low impact on the environment.
“It has been built to the very highest standards and will provide a great resource for residents to enjoy their local history and heritage.”
The centre will provide a range of services, including education and conference rooms, public WiFi facilities, and a rare books library. There will also be a research area and car parking, together with a new high-tech conservation facility to care for damaged documents.
The new building is part of an extensive, wider redevelopment programme and has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
Following completion, G F Tomlinson handed over the scheme to its client ready for its opening to the public in January, 2014, at which point schools, and community groups, will also gain access to a whole range of history activities and adult learning courses.
Les Jones, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council leader, said: “We look forward to opening the new centre which will help us to preserve our local history and heritage.”
G F Tomlinson has a base in Birmingham and works across the Midlands and nationally.