ONE of the brightest parts of Worcester's future is the plan for a world-class library in the heart of the city.

The ambitious scheme, linked to plans for a city centre campus for the University of Worcester, will provide us with a unique facility.

A joint university and public library, a children's library and a history centre will all be combined under one roof - giving Worcester a building that will be the envy of Europe.

This newspaper is firmly behind the project.

We believe it will help to promote Worcester to the premier league of British university cities while at the same time providing local people with a wonderful library.

That is why we are delighted to report today that Worcestershire County Council has approved its share of funding towards the £56.3 million project.

The council is to spend more than £6.6 million on the scheme.

It moves the plans another step closer to reality, with three firms now bidding for the £36.8 million private finance element to the project.

If work starts on time and stays on track, the library and history centre will be ready to open in mid-2011.

That is less than four years away and, with other plans for the city such as Worcestershire's proposed cricket ground redevelopment, will help to put Worcester well and truly on the map as a go-ahead 21st century city.