British Library

PROJECT: British Library

MAIN CONTRACTOR: Wates Construction

LOCATION: Boston Spa, Wetherby

BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT

The transformation of the British Library site at Boston Spa represents a major investment in the future of one of the UK’s most important cultural and research institutions. The project includes the construction of a new storage building that is approx. 28-metre-high, 5,274m², fully automated, low energy, and Passivhaus certified, supporting the Library’s wider net-zero goals, featuring a public viewing gallery and 225 linear km of additional storage capacity.

Protec has worked with Wates Construction on several major schemes, and this collaboration once again demonstrates a shared commitment to quality, safety and sustainability in complex, high-profile builds.

THE CHALLENGE

The project required long-term protection for newly finished concrete floors during the installation phase of the Library’s heavy mechanical racking system. Throughout this phase, the slab was subject to sustained traffic from heavy wheeled equipment including MEWPs, PICO lifts, scaffold towers, boom lifts and telehandlers.

Traditional plywood protection was initially considered but was deemed unsuitable due to concerns around dust generation, fire safety and sustainability. The protection also needed to remain in place for an extended period to accommodate the complex installation sequence and ensure that the finished slab remained undamaged throughout.

PROJECT SOLUTION

Once the building envelope was watertight and the slab poured, Protec carried out a site visit to assess the protection requirements. Following discussions with Wates, ImpactBoardFR was recommended as the most suitable solution due to its flame-retardant properties, durability and sustainable credentials.

Over 1,000 sheets of ImpactBoardFR were supplied to the site. The boards provided a clean, dust-free and robust surface capable of withstanding prolonged use by heavy mechanical plant and equipment. The lightweight composition of ImpactBoardFR also allowed for faster installation and repositioning, improving site efficiency and reducing downtime.

Through Protec’s ClosedLoop Remanufacturing Scheme, all used materials were collected at the end of the installation works for recycling and reprocessing into new protection products, supporting Wates’ sustainability objectives and waste management targets.

THE OUTCOME

ImpactBoardFR maintained excellent performance throughout the installation phase, ensuring the floors remained clean, protected and damage-free under intense daily use.