Basingstoke Discovery Centre
Transcription
Basingstoke Discovery Centre
Basingstoke Discovery Centre - Interior Scheme Property Services Award info i.e RIBA Award 2010, FX International Best Interior Design Award 2009 Location: Basingstoke, Hampshire Client: Hampshire County Council , Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council and Citizens Advice Bureau Value: £ 805,000 Completed: November 2010 Specialist teams: Interior Design: HCC Property Services M&E / QS / Structural Engineer: HCC Property Services Contractor: Raymond Brown Construction Ltd Given the tight budget and large floor area, good judgement and a strong design flair was essential to transform the space and maximum its potential as a resource for the local community. It was especially important to make the new building more inclusive so that it caters for all kinds of different needs. The new Discovery Centre now provides: • Full library service complete with RFID electronic self issue system for library users • People’s Network (web access) and full WiFi coverage • Special advocacy for adults with learning difficulties • Specialist children’s area with a mural by well known author Lauren Child • The first personal changing suite in the County for adults with special needs • Hearing and visual impairment clinics • A locally funded business suite and community room. “ I think that in this day and age we are extremely lucky to have such a vibrant and newly furnished building. I think it is an extremely welcoming place not only for ‘traditional’ library users, but for everyone in our community. It has wonderful disabled facilities and is piloting the Safe Place Scheme. “ Basingstoke Discovery Centre opened to the public on 30 November 2010, following the successful completion of a £1.2m refurbishment of the existing library and Citizen’s Advice Bureau. Predominantly funded by Hampshire County Council, the project was also supported by Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council and the BIG Lottery Fund. Local user, Basingstoke Gazette The vibrant mural by Michael Craig-Martin, a renowned artist, provides a new public frontage for the Discovery Centre and draws people up from the shopping mall. Key Benefits • Transformation of a tired 1970s interior into a vibrant community focused building which, in addition to the traditional facilities, now provides community and business spaces, a specialist area for local studies and The Citizens Advice Bureau. • Innovative interior design scheme that is a cost effective and stimulating public resource for the whole community. • Special facilities enabling adults with special needs to have inclusive access not only to the Discovery Centre but to Festival Place Shopping Centre. • A building that now attracts substantially more visitors than it did prior to the refurbishment. Contact: Paula Graham | 01962 847801 | [email protected] | www.hants.gov.uk/propertyservices Basingstoke Discovery Centre - Interior Scheme