North Bournemouth residents will be able to enjoy their new state-of-the-art library, housing and information centre while surrounded by environmentally friendly design.

The new centre, which is due to open in December 2009 will not only boast a modern look but will also feature ‘green’ design elements.

Architects Brewer Smith & Brewer have been appointed to design the new building ensuring it meets the requirements and targets of bespoke BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method).

The proposed design plans for the new centre are currently on public display on the Council website which details many environmentally friendly features including:

• A central atrium area with an intelligent ventilation system which will keep the space cool in the summer and warm in the winter
• Natural light will be used wherever possible with the addition of a lighting system with automatic controls that sense daylight and conserves energy
• High efficiency condensing boilers will be fitted which will provide hot water, under-floor heating on the ground floor and heating for radiators on the first floor
• The water system will be fitted with a special control that stops supply when not in use to avoid wastage or overflow

As part of the ongoing community engagement local people have also given their ideas and suggestions on how they would like the outside space to look at the new centre. The Library Service and Council’s Parks team plan to work with local schools to suggest ideas for themes such as scented planting for visually impaired visitors.

A consultant ecologist is also working with the project and design teams to advise and give environmental recommendations.

Councillor Peter Charon, Cabinet member for Housing and Procurement said: “I am especially pleased that we have been able to really push the ‘green credentials’ that sit at the heart of our top priority – a Sustainable Environment. With funding from the Big Lottery Fund together with additional resource from the Council we will be spending more than £3 million on this outstanding project in the North of the Borough. We have consulted far and wide, and we will now end up with a building that will serve the whole of the North Bournemouth community for years to come.”

Notes

Key dates:

Late September 2008 – Kinson Library closes and temporary facilities provided

October 2008 – Work starts on site

December 2009 - New centre due to open

The new building which will be situated on the site of the existing Kinson Library will also provide an integrated reception area, learning centre, meeting rooms, crèche facilities, housing resource centre, interview rooms and public conveniences.

The new library and information centre is jointly funded by the Big Lottery Fund’s Community Libraries Programme with a grant of £1.84 million and £800,000 for a dedicated housing office within the development funded by Bournemouth Borough Council’s Housing Landlord Services.

The Council has recently given the go ahead for an additional £500,000 from capital funds to carry out additional work to the new building to provide more space for extra community focussed services.

Designs for the new centre can be found at: http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/Residents/Libraries/Whats_New/The_Kinson_Partnership_Project.asp