Birmingham City Council has named construction firm Carillion as the main contractor for its £193m library in Centenary Square.

The project, part of a £1bn city centre upgrade, will be supported by Capita Symonds and is due for completion in 2013. As well as study areas, the library will contain exhibition spaces. Cllr Mike Whitby, Birmingham's leader, said: ‘With plans for the redevelopment of New Street Station, a major highways initiative and the expansion of Birmingham airport, this announcement is evidence of the importance we attach to public funding in sustaining our economy.'