Weybridge Library Refurbishment

INVITATION TO LIBRARY ENGAGEMENT EVENT

Following previous events that have been held in relation to the new healthcare facility and library developments, we now have final proposed designs that we would like to share with you.

The event will be the opportunity to see these designs ahead of the submission of the two planning applications in the coming weeks.

Members of the project team who are leading on the planning applications, will be at the event to answer any questions you may have.

Time: Call in anytime between 4pm and 7pm

Date: Thursday 25th May 2023

Venue: 1st floor, Weybridge Library, Church Street, Weybridge, KT13 8DE

Following a review of the options, we have decided to retain the existing library building and refurbish it to create a vibrant, modern community hub whilst bringing it up to energy efficiency standards, in line with the council’s commitment to be carbon net zero by 2030. 

The purpose of this engagement event is to share details of the latest proposals that will be the subject of a planning application to be made this summer. 

Our ambition

The proposed new hub will provide accommodation for a variety of services and partners. It will include, but not be limited to, a modern library, targeted youth support, commercial and community space as well as rooms available for hire.

PROPOSALS

The proposal encompasses: 

- a comprehensive external refurbishment of the existing structure 

- a single storey infill of the rear courtyard to expand the ground floor 

- a full internal refit of all interiors 

External refurbishment: 

The overall aspiration of the external refurbishment is to enhance the appearance of the building without drastically changing its character and architecture. 

The choice of materials seeks to soften the building appearance in order to complement the setting of nearby listed buildings and the character of the conservation area. This will include: 

- a replacement pitched roof in a muted grey colour to be more sympathetic to the locality 

- the existing brickwork will be retained 

- all windows will be replaced 

- the new glazing will be mounted in a bronze finish aluminium frame 

- the highest quality materials will be used for the refurbishment and matching infill. 

Rear infill: 

There will be a single storey infill of the rear courtyard in order to expand the Library service’s floorspace on the ground floor. This will increase the space available for events and activities. 

Internal refit: 

- a full strip back of all the internal fit out to fully modernise the interior space 

- a full programme of insulation to improve the energy efficiency of the building 

- the introduction of air cooling throughout the building 

- the first and second floors will be fitted out to provide: 

• a large multi-use activity hub for public hire 
  
  
• a business hub and meeting rooms 
  
  
• studio facilities for Brooklands Radio 
  
  
• co-working space 

Redeveloped design of the library will:

• be a modern, flexible space 

• accommodate a wide range of events and services 

• have excellent books and resources 

• offer meeting room and exhibition space 

• include modern technology and work spaces 

• create a light and inviting environment 

• be an inclusive, accessible and comfortable space 

• provide an exceptional visitor experience 

• be a dynamic place for the whole community to visit, spend time and enjoy. 

The refurbishment will deliver the following for the library service:

Entrance spaces 

Inviting and welcoming entrance spaces with prominent self-service kiosks, book drops, quick choice displays, sales area, information and printing will encourage visitors to engage with library services. 

Children’s Library

The children’s area will be a bright, vibrant and creative space to encourage both play and learning and develop a lifelong love of reading. 

Multi-use library spaces

Spaces incorporating a help desk, soft seating, computer zones and space for quiet working and study, with flexibility to use spaces in a variety of ways. 

Events 

A flexible events space will enable a wide range of events to take place, including exhibitions, performance space for music and art events, author events, and children’s events such as rhyme times. There will also be the capacity for classes and workshops to be hosted in confidential meeting rooms, with availability for community groups and other partners to book space. 

A varied service offering, with an emphasis on events which cater to a range of audiences, will help position Weybridge library as a cultural hub and destination on the high street. 

The three plans below show the proposed layout for the expanded Library space and the youth support facility at the rear. These plans are indicative only and the internal layout will be finalised through a process of co-design and engagement with residents and key community groups. 

The first floor will contain a multi-use activity hub, meeting rooms and a business hub. 

The second floor will be repurposed as a co-working space and provide studio space for Brooklands Radio.

The aim of the proposed new external landscaping is to provide a welcoming, attractive and functional external space for all visitors, staff and tenants. 

The landscape proposals for the Church Street frontage will provide an inclusive and attractive entrance. A new ramped and stepped access with handrails will be provided. 

New concrete slab paving, galvanised cycle stands and tree grilles for existing trees will revitalise the look and feel of this area. The existing bench and bin will be retained and relocated away from the stepped entrance, to improve access and site legibility. 

We propose to use durable, functional and attractive materials that will also provide for inclusive use. Dual height handrails will be provided and aesthetic upgrades will see new tree grilles and planting. The usability of the street frontage space is improved through durable concrete slab paving. 

The existing fixed fence to the eastern alleyway will be retained, preventing access to this area from the street frontage. 

Thank you for taking the time to go through the proposals. Please take a moment to provide us with your comments. 

The deadline for submitting your feedback is Friday 2nd June 2023.