WORCESTER’S university has been nominated for a prestigious national award for its part in the development of one of the city’s most striking buildings.

The University of Worcester has been shortlisted for an Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community award in the Times Higher Education Awards 2014 for the development of The Hive.

This is the second such award the university has been nominated for following the development of the £60 million gold-clad building, after last year winning the Guardian University Award for Contribution to the Local Community.

Director of information and learning services at the university Anne Hannaford said she was delighted the institution had been shortlisted.

“Our vision for The Hive has always been to create an inspiring space which people enjoy visiting for many reasons – to study and learn, to find new and exciting books and historic objects, to find out information and to get support and advice,” she said.

“Some people just enjoy sitting and reading, looking out across the wonderful views.

“We have worked alongside our partners at Worcestershire County Council to make this close connection between the university and the community.

“The Hive has so much to offer in terms of sharing resources and expertise for the benefit of everyone.”

The striking building on the banks of the River Severn, a joint development between the university and Worcestershire County Council, was opened by The Queen in 2012 and has since won a total of 47 awards.

It is the first joint university and public library in Europe, bringing together academic and public services as well as the council’s archaeology and customer contact centre under one roof.

Lancaster, Manchester, Plymouth and Ulster universities have also been shortlisted for the award along with the University of the West of Scotland with winners to be announced on Thursday, November 27.

To view the full shortlist see www.the-awards.co.uk.