Shrewsbury developer Morris Property leads £750,000 renovation of school's historic library

The Shrewsbury-based company, supported by its Morris Joinery team, is carrying out the work on the Moser Library in the independent school.

The work includes providing new shelves for more than 30,000 books, making desks, doors and windows, and building a raised mezzanine classroom.

A new central heating system will also be installed, along with high-tech lighting in the furniture.

All desks will be designed to allow students to access the web, alongside print books and journals.

This will also be the first build using a new spray booth at Morris Joinery, and will take the library back to its roots in oak with a lacquered finish.

The library was 100 years old last year, and was named after former housemaster Edward Branthwaite Moser.

Jo Elliot, head librarian at Shrewsbury School, said: "We are delighted to be working with an established Shrewsbury business with a fantastic reputation who fully understand our vision.

"The Moser Library is now over 100 years old. It was purpose built to house the school’s growing library of print books as well as our fabulous collection of watercolours.

"Once the work is complete, the library will also meet the additional needs of our 21st century students.

"New desks will provide data and power to facilitate access to online resources, book shelves will be adjustable to accommodate books of various sizes, there will be a new bookable group study room for students, soft seating in all areas to encourage reading for pleasure and a transformed art gallery which will give students daily access to the watercolours.

"We are really excited to see the finished results."

James West, chief operating officer at Welsh Bridge-based Morris Property, said: "The library is a hub of activity and we are delighted to be given the opportunity to modernise this impressive space to create an accessible and attractive place to work and study."