The facility, which is scheduled to open in 2012 and will house the UK's first integrated university and public library, is located in the St Clement's area of the city alongside the River Severn.

A number of measures have been included in the new centre by the design team to protect against future flooding after properties were left underwater after the river burst its banks in July 2007.

Among the design features is a large grassed and planted open space on the western side of the site to absorb water from the river, while concrete chambers due to house archives will be waterproofed.

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