THE Hive appears to be losing its lustre as another golden building outshines it - but university leaders say the colour is supposed to change.

These photos show The Hive looking rather drab compared to when it first opened more than 10 years ago which has prompted some to ask if it needs a good clean.

It is more than a decade since the doors of the multi-million library, history and customer centre opened to the public for the first time on July 2, 2012.

Then, the library's bright golden hue was the subject of much excitement - but now it has taken on more of an orange/brown colour.

Gary Darlow, 56, of Warndon, Worcester said: "It's the same with Worcester Arena. It's started to fade. The Hive looks like it needs more than a good clean. It's not that old really but I've noticed it for a while."

However, a spokesperson for the University of Worcester said the colour change was always predicted.

They said: “The Hive, like the University’s new Elizabeth Garrett Anderson building, is clad in an inert copper alloy called Tecu, which is a very efficient material that is increasingly popular in the building industry as it is economical, long-lasting and highly sustainable. The colour of the material is designed to develop an elegant matt patina over time.”
 

Worcester News: NOTICED: Gary Darlow who regularly walks past The Hive noticed it looked a bit faded NOTICED: Gary Darlow who regularly walks past The Hive noticed it looked a bit faded (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

The Hive was officially opened on 11 July 2012 by Her Majesty the Queen.

The new library came into being after the University of Worcester and Worcestershire County Council, supported by Worcester City Council and Advantage West Midlands, realised the opportunity of creating a combined facility for the whole community to use.

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Bath-based architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios designed The Hive. The innovative design won the international Bentley Be Inspired Innovation in Generative Design and was shortlisted for Best Designed Project and for Best Local Government Project Team in the Public-Private Finance awards.

Building work began on a derelict site in the city centre in 2010.

Meanwhile, work continues on another gold-clad building - the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Building in Hylton Road, the former offices of the Worcester News and Berrows Journal.

The former Berrows House will become a medical school. A new cohort of nursing and midwifery students will start at the University in March and they will be amongst the very first students to use it.

Professor David Green CBE DL, vice chancellor and chief executive at the University, said: “We are pleased to say that the extensive refurbishment of the former Worcester News building is now nearing completion and we are looking forward to the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson building opening around Easter time."