Basingstoke Discovery Centre

Basingstoke Discovery Centre - Interior Scheme
Property Services
Award info i.e RIBA Award 2010, FX International Best Interior Design Award 2009
Location:
Basingstoke, Hampshire
Client:
Hampshire County Council ,
Basingstoke & Deane Borough
Council and Citizens Advice Bureau
Value: £ 805,000
Completed: November 2010
Specialist teams:
Interior Design:
HCC Property Services
M&E / QS / Structural Engineer:
HCC Property Services
Contractor: Raymond Brown
Construction Ltd
Given the tight budget and large floor area, good judgement and a strong design
flair was essential to transform the space and maximum its potential as a resource
for the local community. It was especially important to make the new building more
inclusive so that it caters for all kinds of different needs.
The new Discovery Centre now provides:
• Full library service complete with RFID electronic self issue system for library users
• People’s Network (web access) and full WiFi coverage
• Special advocacy for adults with learning difficulties
• Specialist children’s area with a mural by well known author Lauren Child
• The first personal changing suite in the County for adults with special needs
• Hearing and visual impairment clinics
• A locally funded business suite and community room.
“
I think that in this day and
age we are extremely lucky to
have such a vibrant and newly
furnished building. I think it is
an extremely welcoming place
not only for ‘traditional’ library
users, but for everyone in our
community. It has wonderful
disabled facilities and is piloting
the Safe Place Scheme.
“
Basingstoke Discovery Centre opened to the public on 30 November 2010,
following the successful completion of a £1.2m refurbishment of the existing library
and Citizen’s Advice Bureau. Predominantly funded by Hampshire County Council,
the project was also supported by Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council and the
BIG Lottery Fund.
Local user, Basingstoke Gazette
The vibrant mural by Michael Craig-Martin, a renowned artist, provides a new public
frontage for the Discovery Centre and draws people up from the shopping mall.
Key Benefits
• Transformation of a tired 1970s interior into a vibrant community focused building
which, in addition to the traditional facilities, now provides community and
business spaces, a specialist area for local studies and The Citizens Advice
Bureau.
• Innovative interior design scheme that is a cost effective and stimulating public
resource for the whole community.
• Special facilities enabling adults with special needs to have inclusive access not
only to the Discovery Centre but to Festival Place Shopping Centre.
• A building that now attracts substantially more visitors than it did prior to the
refurbishment.
Contact: Paula Graham | 01962 847801 | paula.graham@hants.gov.uk | www.hants.gov.uk/propertyservices
Basingstoke Discovery Centre - Interior Scheme