Forest Pennant secures stone contract for new library & history centre

Award-winning natural stone company, Forest Pennant, Gloucestershire, has recently signed a contract to supply its Royal Forest Pennant sandstone for the construction of a new multi-million pound integrated public and university library, known as ‘The Hive’, in Worcester, believed to be the first of its kind in Europe.

Working with lead architects, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and landscape architects, Grant Associates, Forest Pennant is supplying strip cladding, external masonry and coping for the innovative ‘island’ site – a 7.5m high, five-sided tapering structure housing an outdoor children’s library and reading room. The stone specialist will also be supplying cladding for the library itself. A complete package of hard landscaping products, including paving setts and steps, will then provide a harmonious and complementary finish between the vertical and horizontal lines and features.

Simon Courtney, project manager for lead contractor Galliford Try, said: “An iconic development like the Hive in Worcester requires top quality materials and we have been delighted to source such a product locally through Forest Pennant.”

Royal Forest Pennant sandstone was selected due to its versatility and future-proof qualities; processed using ‘green electricity’ produced by the company’s micro hydro generation turbine, being a native, British natural stone and sourced within 50 miles of the new development. Sustainability is one of ten key values attributed to The Hive. The project team is also working towards an excellent rating from BREEAM on completion.

Forest Pennant secured this contract on the basis of its skill and expert knowledge, required to meet the complex demands of the project brief, offering a competitive and multi-faceted building product solution, for both vertical and horizontal surfaces.

Heavily anticipated to be a new landmark attraction for the 1 million plus visitors descending on Worcester each year, the new development is a partnership between Worcestershire County Council, the University of Worcester and Worcester City Council, supported by main contractors, Galliford Try. The Hive is due for completion in January 2012, opening July 2012.