Images
Images
Entrance to library
Counter and welcome area
Browsing area and Flexible Learning Centre
Early years' corner
Exterior of Blakenall Village Centre
Description
Description
Blakenall Village Centre is a £7.3M multi-purpose building funded by New Deal for Communities and sited in a part of Walsall with a high level of multiple deprivation.
Walsall Council has taken a 10-year lease on the library area. In addition to the library, the building houses a health centre, pharmacy, complementary therapy centre, restaurant, youth offending service base and housing office.
In fitting out the library, the intention was to create a relaxed informal setting which would attract people from the local area who were not regular library users. Low-level 'bookshop-style' shelving provides maximum face-out display and the library is 'zoned' to accommodate different uses. The early years area was equipped in co-operation with the local Surestart Programme.
The library opened on 1 August 2005.
Awards
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The Building
The Building
Type of library
Small community library
Size
340 m2
Floors
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Architect
Edward & Hindle Architectural Consultants
Building contractor
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The Space
The Space
Features and services
Special services
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External features
Shared building
Internal features
Design features
Energy efficiency
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Accessibility provision
Access to building, Access within building
Interior designer
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Furniture suppliers
Community Playthings, Lift (UK) Ltd, Swift Business Equipment Ltd
Services and facilities suppliers
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IT provision
Internet access, Number of public computer terminals: 8
Seats/study places
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Stock
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