The fully automated, net zero building will be 28m and cover 5,274 sq m, as well as 220km of book shelf space and a public viewing gallery.
The project will also involve a renovation of the 1970s Brutalist-style Urquhart Building for the library’s 550 on-site staff, including a new reading room, restaurant and cafe for visitors.
There will also be improved green spaces to support biodiversity and enhance the natural environment surrounding the site.
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Wates will work with its supply chain to help develop the design and cost the project so that the final contract price can be agreed at the end of the 45-week pre-construction services period.
Wates will build large-scale prototypes to test the design theories needed to fulfil the sustainability criteria for the project, in the case of the new build, to achieve BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and Passivhaus Accredited ratings, while the renovated Urquhart Building has been designed to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’.
Wates Construction also began a programme of enabling works on the site in October as part of a separate deal, which includes scoping surveys to inform the design and prepare for the main works which are due to start on site in May 2022.
The British Library aims to open the new and refurbished buildings by 2026.
David Wingfield, regional director North East at Wates Construction, said: “We are delighted with our appointment. We know from past projects that the most critical success factors when constructing airtight buildings are genuine partnership and teamwork, for which Wates Construction has a proven track record.
“This project will set the standard for facilities of this type worldwide. Nothing like this archive has been built in the UK before, where the environment is completely airtight, and when complete, a fully automated racking and robotics system will be used to retrieve documents.
“It is both a fascinating and challenging project to work on, requiring cutting edge sustainable design solutions, and given its novel, world-beating status, a highly-coveted role for any contractor to secure.”
Phil Spence, chief operating officer of the British Library, said: “This is a significant milestone for our Boston Spa site, which will transform the accessibility of our collections and services to people nationally. We look forward to working with our design team to deliver vital facilities that will support the growth of the national collection and open up access to a new generation of visitors.”
