Cottrell & Vermeulen Architects has entered its competition-winning design for a new library in Birchfield, Birmingham, for planning permission.

The scheme, pictured here for the first time, beat a shortlist of van Heyningen & Haward Architects, de Rijke Marsh Morgan, Ash Sakula Architects, Gollifer Langston Architects and Penoyre & Prasad.

The building will replace the existing facilities in Birchfield and is intended to provide a new central focus for local people and visitors. “This is an exciting opportunity to make a new type of library with the people of Birchfield,” said partner Richard Cottrell.

Jury member Maggie Mullan described Cottrell & Vermeulen as an innovative and inspirational practice with a proven track record of significant architectural solutions within tight budgets and through collaborative processes.”