Following the award of a substantial (£6.4 million) HEFCE grant, the project starts in November 2009 with the main work starting on site in December 2009. It will continue throughout 2010 until completion in Spring 2011, happily coinciding with the University's 50th anniversary.

The Library has remained open and offering full service throughout the refurbishment, although inevitably parts of the building has had to be cordoned off for periods of time to allow works to take place. We have advertised expected works and disruptions well in advance via our web pages, Facebook, twitter and printed notices within the building. Through careful planning of the phases we have endeavoured to keep the bookstock accessible during the project and to keep noise and disruption to a minimum, while ensuring that works are able to be completed as soon as possible. We have also worked with the University to identify alternative quiet study areas on campus should students or staff need them and have set aside an area within the building specifically for finalist study.

The co-location of the Careers and Employability Centre in the Library will complete the delivery of a reinvigorated building at the heart of the campus that will be used by students and staff as the primary location for study, learning, research, personal development and social interaction.

The refurbishment was completed summer 2011.