Newcastle City Library
- Newcastle City Library
Project Description
Newcastle City Library, currently one of the largest public libraries in the UK, was built to replace the inadequate 1960s structure previously occupying the site. The new building now combines a library service with a range of other facilities to create an important community space.
Aims and Objectives
The brief required the new library building to be more visible and noticeable within the city centre, and be better integrated and connected to the surrounding public spaces; transparent to make its function clear; easy to self-orientate; and above all, to delight and inspire. Newcastle City Council's approach aims to capitalise on the renewed interest in the library by a surge in national and local visitors by transforming the way library services are delivered
- Official Opening
Project Start Date and End Date
A new library was first considered as a result of a Libraries Best Value Review in 2001, and decided that it should go ahead as a Capital of Culture project. Following several rounds of bids to the DCMS, Kajima Consortium was appointed in May 2006. Construction work began in February 2007 with completion in March 2009. Newcastle City Library officially opened in June 2009.
Services Offered
Newcastle City Library occupies 8,300 square metres of space and offers a vast range of books, DVDs and CDs on loan, with the addition of online access to rare book collections from the British Library, and a 24 hour vending machine providing books and DVDs out-of-hours. The building also provides:
- meeting rooms,
- a local studies and family history centre,
- a crèche,
- significantly improved access facilities,
- a cafe opening out onto the newly developed Princess Square,
- the Bewick Hall performance space, and
- exhibition facilities.
- Newcastle City Library interior
Success Factors
The design of the library has met the brief, creating a high-profile entrance and bold signage to make the building visible from all aspects; providing light and transparency through large glass facades; creating an open-plan building; and the building features high-quality design, furniture and furnishings to make it welcoming as well as inspirational.
The Library building embraces sustainable design, achieving a BREEAM Very Good rating, and using materials that allow natural heating and cooling of the building throughout the day. The building also reuses rainwater, features low-energy lighting and makes use of solar panel energy to heat water.
Also, the new library is now 100% self-service, with staff on hand to assist where necessary, and the library now makes all books and artefacts accessible and available, removing a large number of books from storage and putting them on display on over 12km of shelving throughout the building.
The building has been enthusiastically received by the public, other stakeholders and the local media. The City Library has also just been awarded three of the Public Library Building Awards 2009. Competing libraries possess a range of shared services and innovative use of technology, and Newcastle Library won in the categories: Innovation; Accessibility; and Delegates’ Choice Award.
Risk Factors
The only significant planning issue that occurred resulted from the developers’ decision to alter the footprint of the new building after planning permission had been granted. Development Control policy in Newcastle meant that a full new planning application had to be submitted.
Business/Operational Model
Newcastle City Council led the project, in partnership with Kajima Consortium (PFI developer), Tolent Construction, and Ryder Architecture Ltd. The Library, along with another community library at High Heaton, is to be managed by Hard Facilities Management service (Integral UK Ltd) until 2034.
The Council’s planning officers led the production of a development brief for the site, which was written in the context of current planning policy, especially in relation to the city centre. A Design Panel of external experts was convened who, together with a CABE enabler, helped the Council develop the design brief and evaluate subsequent bid submissions.
- Newcastle City Library artist's impression
Financing and Delivery/Procurement
The project, together with the second library at High Heaton, cost a total of £40.2million. The build cost for Newcastle City Library came to £24million, and High Heaton cost £1million. The remaining £15.2million covers external project development costs, and the 25 year lifecycle costs for the building.
This is a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) funded scheme. Apart from development costs and a £1million capital contribution, both paid for by Newcastle City Council, all the funding was raised by the PFI consortium.
Measurement and Monitoring
Newcastle City Library’s success is measured through customer use of the facility, and monitored by customer satisfaction levels.
Publications
‘Library renewal makes city centre connection’, Planning Magazine, 24th July 2009, p.16
Durcan, T. (2009) ‘An upturn for the books’, PPE Journal, vol.66, pp60-62.
Khan, A. (2009) ‘Better by design’, Public Library Journal, vol.24(2), pp22-25.
