THE contractor has been chosen to create Southend’s £27million library.

Wates Construction, based in Leatherhead, Surrey, was among six companies shortlisted for the Forum contract.

The library is set to bring benefits for the town, as Wates has pledged to source as much labour and materials as possible from the local area.

It will also provide four apprenticeships, stage community days and host 70 work experience days for students and pupils.

The Forum is a joint scheme between Southend Council, the University of Essex and South Essex College.

The project, on the former Farringdon car park in Farringdon Road, is expected to be finished by August next year.