Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Policy and Resources Item 1

14 February 2002

New Alton Library

Report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

1.

Summary

1.1

At the May 2000 meeting of the Asset Management Sub-Committee Members gave approval to the development of a feasibility study for the re-provision of Alton Library on its existing site. This followed an extensive search for suitable alternative sites for a new library facility in the centre of Alton as the existing building was considered to be at the end of its useful life and could not economically be extended or refurbished.

1.2

The existing library currently occupies part of a large site which is mostly surfaced in tarmacadum and used as a car park. The library shares this site with a large brick store which is a redundant transport and storage compound. It is proposed that the part of the site currently occupied by the compound be used to accommodate a new library building and the site of the existing library be used for housing development. This course of action will enable the sale proceeds for housing to part fund the new library building and initial discussions are underway with the County Planning Officer, the Library Service and East Hants District Council. These proposals will require a separate planning application to East Hants District Council.

1.3

A development brief for the whole site has been progressed in conjunction with East Hampshire District Council and the technical, construction, planning and financial issues have been reviewed in detail and the building design has been developed with environmental and functional needs in mind.

1.4

The purpose of this report is to outline the proposals and seek approval to the attached building design project appraisal.

2.

Scope of the Works

2.1

The existing site is currently occupied by a redundant storage compound to the east with the existing library located to the west. The majority of the remainder of the site is surfaced in tarmacadum with the exception of a grassed margin that flanks the library. It is proposed to divide the site and demolish the storage compound to make way for the new library building, leaving the remainder of the site available for sale.

2.2

The new library will be of a three storey construction, with a pitched roof. Part of the ground floor to the north elevation will have a canopy with roof lights to allow natural lighting in this area. The ground and first floors will be glazed to the street frontage from Vicarage Hill, to allow good views in and out and will utilise horizontal timber louvers and blinds to avoid solar gain and glare.

2.3

The ground floor of the building will accommodate the main lending library, children's library, children's reading area, store, public lift to upper floors, services lift, Accessible WC, counter and control / booking out point. The first floor will be occupied by a lending and reference library along with IT work stations. The second floor accommodation will comprise a staff workroom, office, staff room, kitchen, plant room and a staff WC.

2.4

The main entrance will be positioned in the south east corner of the building and will have automatic sliding doors. The entrance can be approached from an open paved public area on the corner of Vicarage Hill. To the south of the new building a dedicated lay-by with two disabled car parking bays and a delivery bay will be created. A walled courtyard will be established to the west of the building with gates for deliveries and an area for staff cycle storage and to the north west a small private courtyard area, which will only be accessible from the ground floor of the building. New trees will be planted in the courtyard area and at the main entrance of the building.

3.

Funding and Timing

3.1

The current cost estimate for the proposals outlined in the attached project appraisal is £1,164,000, excluding fees. Funding for this scheme will come from the sale proceeds when part of the site is sold for housing development and this is estimated to be up to £259,000, excluding fees. The residual funding of £905,000, excluding fees, will be met from the Policy & Resources 2001/02 Capital Programme which has been earmarked for this project following the deferral of the Winchester Library project which will now proceed in future years. It should be noted that the current cost estimate does not include the fit-out costs of the building or for any loose furniture and equipment.

3.2

Subject to all necessary approvals it is intended to invite tenders during June 2002 and, subject to a successful tender exercise, it is anticipated that works will commence on site in Summer 2002 and be completed during Summer 2003.

4

Conclusion

4.1

These proposals will allow the provision of a new library facility in Alton in purpose built accommodation and will achieve a capital receipt from the sale of part of the site to be used to assist in funding the project. Approval is accordingly sought to the attached building design appraisal.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report and attached appraisal.

NB the list excludes

1. Published works.

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE FILE

Building Management System reports, Property, Management &

Site surveys and investigations, Information File - PB&R

Architect's plans,

Planning Application.

EMP&R0202b