Romsey Library
The building was designed by the architect W Eden Nesfield and opened in 1872 as the Boy’s National School. After use by the Civil Defence, the building became the library in 1968 and is listed Grade II.
The Library has been recently refurbished and extended with a new single storey double-gabled wing in-keeping with the scale and historic nature of the building. It provides further public areas to the existing library building use, replacing temporary buildings and inappropriately 1960’s additions.
The extension is of traditional construction with a red brick double gabled elevation and plain clay tiled pitched roof, the appearance matching the existing building with handmade blue brick detailing. The roof structure reflects the original building with a more contemporary feel, achieved using oak trusses with stainless-steel tie rods.
The interior design is complimentary to the historic architectural features, and there has been collaboration with local artists. The fit-out creates a modern atmosphere whilst complementing and respecting the historic context.
