The university has posted prequalification documents on its bid portal setting out plans for the 130,000 sq ft flagship library project.

The planned six-storey building will replace the former 1950s library that is set to be demolished.

Designer Associated Architects gained outline consent for the library scheme in August and construction work is now due to start early next year.

The new library has been designed to be highly energy efficient and will cut current consumption in half putting the University on target to reduce carbon emissions by 20% by 2020.