Worcester News
Bring your books outside and enjoy the view, children
9:30am Saturday 11th February 2012
IT may look like a mediaeval gun emplacement but the turret-shaped structure rising in front of Worcester’s landmark Hive building will in fact be a place of learning and storytelling.
The Story Island is part of the Hive’s children’s library, which will be one of the largest in the country when the building opens.
The cut-stone open-air structure connects to the building via a walkway, and is planted with three Scots pine trees.
It is part of the landscaping which is finally taking shape, with the interior of the building all but finished.
Worcestershire County Council and the University of Worcester are moving archives, artefacts, books and other learning materials into the £60 million Hive ready for opening later this year.
A county council spokesman said: “The island is a specially designed outdoor classroom with wi-fi, and is accessed directly from the children’s library on the Hive’s second level. This offers young people the chance to take their books outside and enjoy the views over the river Severn.”
Outside, native trees including willows, alder and black poplar have been planted, reflecting the riverside nature of the site.
The turret and other outdoor areas feature built-in archaeological and architectural fragments from the pre-build digs that took place on the site.
Iain Paul, strategic design manager, said: “The trees are the latest step in the Hive’s journey to completion and provide an oasis of green in this city centre location.”