Slough’s new library and cultural centre received planning permission, subject to conditions, on 5 August 2010.
The approved design joins the new bus station, which is now under construction, as another iconic landmark for the £450m Heart of Slough project to transform the centre of the town.
With a total floor area of 4447m2 the new library and cultural centre will include:
* A library (including 2.5 kilometres of book shelves) and extensive IT access
* A 180 seat performance space
* Adult learning and teaching rooms
* Rooms for council and community meetings
* Display areas
* A cafe
The new Slough design will create an internal pedestrian link between the new bus station and Mackenzie Square, and provide a sympathetic backdrop to St Ethelbert’s Church. It incorporates solar panels in the roof and high efficiency gas boilers to help meet the council’s sustainability objectives.
"The new building not only looks great, it will bring a new sense of community into the heart of Slough," said Andrew Stevens, Assistant Director, Learning and Cultural Engagement at Slough Borough Council. "It brings together a range of community and cultural activities right into the town centre.
"We will be consulting on the internal designs over the next few weeks and will run a competition to come up with a new name for the building soon after."
Cllr James Swindlehurst, commissioner for Slough neighbourhoods and renewal said: "It’s great to see the Heart of Slough taking shape and this approval is another important step forward in revitalising the town centre."
Building work on the new library and cultural centre is due to start by early 2012 and the new centre will be ready to use from 2013. The existing town centre library will continue to operate as normal until then.
Slough Borough Council
