The Hive: a New University / Public Library and History Centre, Worcester UK.

When the Hive was first conceived 6 years ago we could not have predicted the times in which the new library would be built and opened. The Hive, a £60m joint university and public library & history centre, is being built at a time of savage public library cuts in Britain. The subsequent public outcry has given libraries an unprecedented part in a national debate on cultural and social values.
The paper will set the planning and execution of the vision for the Hive in this context, and examine the way its fundamental principles resonate with the values debate. It will go on to identify the issues raised from bringing together two partners with a shared belief in education, culture and a sense of community, but with different emphases, priorities, and funding models. It will ask whether the Hive offers a model for other Universities and public authorities.
We'll see!