Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Decision Report

1. Executive Summary

1.1. This report seeks approval to a scheme of improvement and refurbishment works at Waterlooville Library, Waterlooville, at a total estimated cost of £819,000 (including fees of £90,000).

2. Scope of Work

2.1 Although funding for the project has already been approved this report outlines the proposed scope of work it is anticipated can be delivered for the available funding. In the event that tenders are not received within the available funding, the scope of the works will be reviewed accordingly.

2.2 Any significant issues from either the Risk or Combined Impact Assessment will need to have specific attention in the design or implementation of this project.

2.3 The detail of the refurbishment proposal is laid out for approval.

3. Contextual Information

3.1. Following confirmation of a successful bid to the Big Lottery Fund, the Executive Member for Recreation, Heritage and Communities (22 January 2009) approved the proposals for the improvement of five library sites under the `Learning, Engagement and Adult Development' (LEAD) Project. The five libraries are located in areas where there is a current lack of local adult learning provision, a concentration of demographic deprivation and low educational attainment.

3.2. The refurbishment proposals for Waterlooville Library seek to actively engage the community in the development, delivery and management of library services with the intention of establishing a place of learning and development for both local and regional communities, whilst also creating a public space to increase user diversity and volumes.

3.3. It is anticipated that tenders will be invited during October 2009, with a start on site during January 2010 and completion during June 2010.

4. Finance

4.1. Capital Expenditure:

The Capital Expenditure has already been approved; the following tables outline the breakdown of its distribution across the project:

* The means by which the difference between the Current Estimate and the Capital Programme allocation is to be met are shown in the table below:

4.2. Sources of Funding:

Building Cost: Net/Gross Cost - internal refurbishment, therefore not applicable

Furniture & Equipment: Furniture and equipment is provided for in the main budget.

4.3. Revenue Issues:

a) Overview of Revenue Implications:

b) Staff Costs: The LEAD project budget provides for the employment of two part-time staff for three years. Their work programme requires them to spread their time over the five sites, so no staff costs are directly attributable to Waterlooville Library.

c) Energy Costs: The estimated annual energy consumption it not expected to change as a result of the proposed refurbishment works.

5. Risk & Impact Issues

Please see Appendix B for a summary of the risk and impact issues considered in relation to the design of this project.

6. Details of site and existing Infrastructure

6.1. Waterlooville Library is prominently located within the retail precinct in the Curzon Road area. It is a four-storey building of traditional construction, dating from the 1970s.

6.2. The proposal will not alter the existing structure or external finishes of the building. However, it is proposed to externally re-decorate the building as part of the scheme.

7. Scope of the Project

Entrance

7.1. The library's location within an established retail precinct provides an ideal opportunity for easy access by members of the public. The proposals envisage enhancements to the entrance and display area, signage and graphics, aimed at encouraging the public to enter via a new entrance with automatic sliding doors (suitable for wheelchair access).

7.2. In order to ensure inclusion and access to all learning and development opportunities, the existing passenger lift will be fully refurbished to meet current Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requirements.

7.3. The existing public stairwell will be redecorated and new handrails (to be DDA compliant) will be installed to ensure the safety and comfort of less mobile stair-users.

7.4. The library currently has an induction loop system, which will be maintained as part of the refurbishment proposals. It is proposed that this facility will be enhanced.

Ground Floor

7.5. This area will be refurbished to present a welcoming interior with self-service terminals supported by a Help Point providing an easily locatable point of reference, with retail provision close to the entrance. Comfortable sofas, tables and chairs will allow users to relax and enjoy the services on offer, supported by a coffee area.

7.6. New lighting and mobile book shelving units will improve the visual quality of the space, providing a large, flexible learning space for the public and local user groups.

7.7. The existing IT learning space run by Hampshire Learning (currently located on the third floor) will be relocated into a purpose-designed ground floor area to promote and deliver an enhanced IT learning facility.

7.8. The proposals ensure that the books, coffee area and IT learning suite are all clearly identifiable and visible when entering the building.

First Floor

7.9. The Children's Library is currently located on the first floor and this will be refurbished to include a new flexible learning space for children, parents and families. It is proposed to provide a self-service terminal on this floor.

7.10. Newly refurbished library shelving, together with new signage and lighting will create a conducive learning environment for families, helping to promote wellbeing and maximise learning opportunities for children, parents and carers alike.

7.11. New window openings will be created to provide enhanced lighting and ventilation.

7.12. A new accessible toilet and baby-changing facility will be provided on the first floor.

7.13. Dedicated storage will be provided for play kit and valuables.

Second Floor

7.14. The second floor is currently used as a quiet study area and provides People's Network stations for the public. No significant changes to this area are proposed. It is intended to provide one self-service terminal and it is also proposed to undertake minor redecoration works if tendered prices allow within the budget.

Third Floor

7.15. The third floor will be partially refurbished to provide an additional learning space for community groups, together with a private bookable meeting room. These new spaces will have existing surfaces redecorated and the addition of a wet area and wipeable floor surfaces will offer maximum flexibility for future users, offering a space capable of housing a large and varied range of learning activities and courses. It is proposed to refurbish the existing staff room.

In summary, the following accommodation is provided:

Ground Floor:


· entrance/display area

· public stairs/lift

· self-service terminal/information help point

· retail area

· coffee area

· library shelving/flexible learning space

· IT learning space

· staff stairs/lift

· plant/boiler rooms

· caretaker's store


First Floor:


· children's library area with story zone

· family learning/activity space

· rolling stack storage (as existing)

· School Libraries Service stack area (as existing)

· school Libraries Service work room (as existing)

· study area

· toilets (to include accessible with baby-changing facilities)

· associated storage facilities

Second Floor:

· combined lending and reference library stock

· study areas

· quiet study area

· toilets (to include accessible)


Third Floor:


· communities/learning space

· meeting room

· eight office spaces (as existing)

· staff room (as existing)

· work room (as existing)

· photocopier room (as existing)

· IT server room (as existing)

· store room (as existing)

· staff toilets (as existing)

8. Planning

No planning permission is required for this internal refurbishment scheme.

9. Building Management

Existing arrangements will continue following the refurbishment works.

10. Professional Resources

Architectural )

Interior Design )

Mechanical/Electrical ) Property, Business and Regulatory Services

Quantity Surveying )

Structural Engineering )

Client Project Management - CCRA

11. Consultations

The following have been consulted during the development of this project and their feedback can be seen in overview in Appendix C

Local County Councillors

Community Panel

Fire Officer

Access Officer

12. Recommendations

That the Executive Member for Culture, Communities and Rural Affairs approves the refurbishment proposals for Waterlooville Library, Waterlooville, at a total estimated cost of £819,000 (including fees of £90,000).

CORPORATE OR LEGAL INFORMATION:

Links to the Corporate Strategy

Other Significant Links

Integral Appendix B

RISK & COMBINED IMPACT ASSESSMENT:

Race and Equality Impact Assessment

Race and equality impact assessment has been considered in the development of this report and no adverse impact has been identified.

Crime Prevention Issues

The County Council has a legal obligation under Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to consider the impact of all the decisions it makes on the prevention of crime. The proposals in this report have no impact on the prevention of crime.

Fire Risk Assessment

In consultation with the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, a fire risk assessment concludes that this a low fire risk category building. Therefore a sprinkler system will not be installed.

Health and Safety

A designer's risk assessment and a design health and safety plan, in accordance with the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2007, have been undertaken for the proposed scheme.

Climate Change

Over the years, a number of windows have been blocked up. It is now proposed to open these up to provide improved natural ventilation. This cost-effective and environmentally-friendly move will improve the environmental conditions within the library, as well as offering improved natural daylight.

New energy-efficient lighting and associated controls is proposed to the ground, first and third floors where refurbished, which will reduce the carbon footprint of the building.

The new toilet will be dual-flush system to reduce water usage and existing toilet cisterns will be fitted with `Hippo' water savers which reduce flush capacity. `Low flow' taps will be installed, again to reduce water usage.

It is proposed to improve the boiler/heating control systems to improve energy efficiency.

Where possible, materials for the project will be sourced from local suppliers, thus reducing the transport distances from supplier to site.

Integral Appendix C

FEEDBACK FROM CONSULTEES:

OTHER EXECUTIVE MEMBERS:

OTHER FORMAL CONSULTEES: