A four storey library building designed by Shepley Bulfinch Richardson & Abbot with RPP Architects. The building comprises 2,000 reader places and 1.5m volumes. Internally the building is arranged around a central multi-storey atrium and includes a cafe, exhibition space and various study spaces.
O’Hare & McGovern commenced construction in 2007 and the building was completed in June 2009.
QUB Estates Directorate and Samuel Stevenson & Sons Architects submitted a planning application (LA04/2017/2403/F) in October 2017 proposing to extend the McClay Library to incorporate the David Bates building and create a two storey extension to the College Park Avenue elevation. The application was approved in January 2018.
Henry Brothers commenced work during June 2018 to refurbish and extend the McClay Library and David Bates building. The £6.6m project is expected to be completed by September 2019.