Further to the development of 3 No. costed feasibility options for each library the team were subsequently appointed to progress the agreed option from RIBA 2 – RIBA 7 supporting the client in the Tendering process and construction phase of the project through to completion, with a successful hand-over in Q4 2022.

In terms of the core brief to increase the utilisation of the library and provide additional flexibility for a variety of uses, the scheme included 4 main areas of focussed improvement;

The repurposing and upgrading of existing underutilised rooms to provide new flexible meeting and event spaces, incorporating refreshment facilities to maximise flexibility of use and commercial opportunities.

The refurbishment of the existing serviced office spaces (The  Workary) to improve the environment in order future-proof and enhance the facilities to generate additional 3rd party income.

The enhancement of the Gallery Space provides improved display lighting,  increased capacity to allow for  larger community exhibitions, the provision of additional display furniture and adaptable wall space solutions for larger paintings and display.

Public spaces including the existing wc’s were also upgraded in order to deliver enhanced inclusive accessibility and improved functionality and look and feel for the previously tired and dysfunctional spaces.

In addition back of house ancillary support spaces were upgraded, with additional storage incorporated to allow maximum flexibility of the space use for a variety of activities, cohorts and space arrangements each with a different furniture requirement. The provision of flexible (mobile) furniture has enabled the space to be used for a variety of functions (i.e. community coffee mornings, health and well-being sessions and commercial hire).

Original features were restored, new finishes were incorporated and new data, power, mechanical systems and lighting were introduced sensitively in accordance with the listing status in order to upgrade and enhance the library and support spaces. New power and data was incorporated to  support additional technology and ‘bring your own device’ demand from customers, in collaboration with The Council’s IT department.

Based on the success of the libraries project the client subsequently appointed  the same RT multi-disciplinary team to complete the reconfiguration and refurbishment of an existing RBKC school to  deliver improved nursery provision, external landscaping and teaching spaces, which was successfully delivered Q1 2023.

Summary