The college is looking for five builders to bid to build the project at its Egan Campus in Surrey.

Sited adjacent to the grade I listed Founders Building, the new 100,000 sq ft library will be a low building with large expanses of glass that look onto the surrounding landscape.

Associated Architects has already drawn up detailed plans of the building complex.

The existing Bedford Library at the Egham Campus designed in 1994 to serve a population of 2,700 students, now has to accommodate 9,000  students.

Firms have until 3 July to submit PQQs for shortlisting by the end of next month. Further information and downloads are available at the college tendering portal. Ref: RHUL/EST/F&G –225.