Once completed in June 2010, the new-look library, which was built in 1906 thanks to the great Scottish-born philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, and serves the largest single community in North Yorkshire, will transform library services in the area. As a ground-breaking centre of excellence, the new facilities will include computers, wi-fi internet access, self-issue and return of books, a cyber café, meeting rooms and a one stop-shop for council services.
Another challenging aspect of this project is its ethos of community involvement, which builds on Carnegie’s original 19th century vision of giving access to self-education for all. It sees the creation of the first library partnership board for NYCC made up of library staff, voluntary agencies and community representatives.
“William Birch as contractors, and the architects Jacobs, are both integral parts of the partnership in delivering the aims of the project, not least in enabling the physical building to meet the demands expected. They have become involved in the community engagement element, translating requirements into practical solutions to make the century-old building fully accessible for all and ensuring the original integrity is maintained and enhanced,” said Chrys Mellor, general manager libraries, North Yorkshire Country Council.
Birch construction director, Paul Goyea, said: “The contract maintains our recent run of successes in securing work through two-stage tendering, intensive interview and client appraisal, followed by close co-operation within the project team to develop and engineer the design to meet the client’s target budget. The entire project team – which includes Jacobs Ltd, NYCC’s framework partner – provide full architectural, engineering and technical services to client representative Andrew Maude, and have worked hard to meet budget constraints and also keep the project on track for delivery. The vagaries of working in an existing and architecturally sensitive site will keep us all on our toes until its successful handover.”
The changing role of the library over the last 100 years has made different demands on the size, layout and function of the building and the work will allow the library to meet those changing demands.
The 80-week modernisation programme of the Grade II listed building is a major undertaking and includes a significant amount of redevelopment to create more space through dramatic internal alterations. A two-storey and basement extension will also be built along one side of the building in a style reflecting the library’s existing architecture and the surrounding conservation area. External treatments will include elements of bold copper cladding and, additionally, Birch will undertake restoration work to the original stone cladding.
One of the most exciting features of the new design is the addition of a glazed roof atrium on the first floor, which will raise the ceiling height and enable the whole of this level to be made into useable space.
£1.5m has been awarded to the library by the Big Lottery Community Fund and NYCC will be adding £1.9m.
