In 2007, German architect Heike Hanada, was selected from 1,160 entries by a jury that included Adam Caruso, co-founder of Caruso St John. But the scheme was scrapped in 2009. "The politicians say that it is too expensive. That is the official reason. But there is discussion on whether this is true," Annika Jensfelt, an editor of the Swedish Association of Architects' magazine Arkitekten told in 2009. "Important cultural people have debated it, saying it is spitting on Asplund. Perhaps this is the true reason."
The City of Stockholm is planning right now to develop and renovate the city library. The main building, designed by Gunnar Asplund and inaugurated in 1928, is one of the modern Swedish architecture's great work, known internationally and possibly the world's most modern and accessible library in its time, was the first in the country to offer public access to the stacks. Caruso St John will pick up the baton for the library project, which has been on hold since 2009, after being selected as "the most qualified" firm for the task of developing one of Sweden's most important public buildings.
"Our assessment is simply to Caruso St John Architects is most qualified for the task. They have a recognized expertise in working with cultural and historical buildings and public buildings containing cultural activities. It involves, for example galleries, art galleries, museums, libraries and churches"
Juan Copovi-Mena, Property Director in the City
"No external developments are planned, but the focus is on internal development." said a statement from Caruso St John. Unlike the previous scheme – which was scrapped following funding issues and protests from heritage groups– Caruso St John's design is being pitched as a "restoration and restructure", rather than an entirely new extension. The studio's proposal focuses on the reorganisation of the building's internal spaces, which will be re-planned to help the library adapt to contemporary demands.
Work is expected to start on the building in 2017, and be completed by 2019.