Horley Library

The project was the provision of a new library for Horley to be located in a prominent location on the high street.

The new library was to be fresh and inviting, utilising the existing branding principles of the county. Playle & Partners, led by our Architect Team, undertook a full service role to deliver this new library and community facility. The coordination between the different members of the team was essential in delivering a facility that met both the needs of the stakeholders and was cost effective. Stakeholder engagement was a large part of this process.

The Surrey Library team requested that the area designated to the public was to be maximised as much as possible. This meant that the spaces were designed to be flexible so they could be used for lectures as well as traditional library activities.

The scheme was to be as cost effective as possible as the Client had a limited budget. The back of house spaces were all designed in a block located at the rear of the building to maintain a large front of house space and locate services in an efficient design.
Throughout the project life, the forecasted costs were interrogated by the Quantity Surveyors to ensure it kept within the budget set out by the Council.

The library service had to be continuous and therefore the existing library service remained open until the new library was complete.

Since opening, the project has meant attendance to the library has doubled and it has become one of the leading libraries in the county.

If we can be of any assistance to you on your Education projects then please email sidcup@playleandpartners.co.uk or speak directly to Partner Sarah Primarolo.