The British Library is seeking suppliers to design, manufacture and supply storage totes for a new high density, automated storage facility at the Boston Spa site in West Yorkshire

The Boston Spa Renewed programme is a c.£95m new masterplan for the Library’s 43 acre site at Boston Spa, comprising the design and construction of a new automated storage facility (Building 33) and site wide refurbishments and landscaping. To date, the programme has delivered;

•The procurement and management of a professional team to design, cost and manage the project to RIBA Stage 4

•A successful planning application

•Enabling projects including relocation of c.400 staff into interim accommodation (on site) and movement of c.900km of collections (on and off site)

•Completion of stage 1 construction package including demolitions around the proposed site for the new building

•Initial development of the automated infrastructure solution for Building 33 through Wates and SSI Schaefer, working with the Library appointed professional team

The stage 2 construction contract for Building 33 was awarded to Wates Construction Limited who commenced on site in July 2023. SSI Schaefer have been subcontracted by Wates to deliver the automated infrastructure. The construction is scheduled to complete in late 2025.

The Library now needs to appoint a supplier who can produce bespoke totes and central dividers which will enable the storage building to become operational. Suppliers are also asked to quote for lateral dividers.