Nottingham’s new £10.5m Central library opened to the public on 28th November 2023, it is part of the wider Broadmarsh regeneration. Newenglish‘s involvement started several years ago when we explored the opportunities for the new library with the libraries team.
Working in conjunction with other partners including architects FaulknerBrowns, and Overbury and the libraries team, a new and refreshingly modern library has been created. The importance of this new state-of-the-art library for the local community can’t be underestimated or, its contribution to the future of the city.
At Newenglish we believe in the power of place, using design to share stories, connecting people to place in a meaningful way.
We have given each area of the libraries interior a personality, with details that will enhance everyone’s visit to the library. Using, amongst other things, poetry by local poets dotted around the space to bring life and a sense of place to the building. We were also commissioned to create a bike sculpture, a focal point featuring Raleigh bike frames. Working with local artist Colin Parkinson, who is a world champion cyclist himself, the sculpture was carefully curated to include bike frames from across the companies history, the end result is a beautiful sculpture and historic talking point.
The new Library also features an events area that forms part of the foyer and public cafe, a dedicated children’s library, a teaching area, exhibition space, a teenagers gaming area, and a 100-person bookable meeting space.
The project delivered over £2m in social value, with more than 60% of spend achieved with local SMEs, as well as over £62k through non-profit organisations.
The library is looking fantastic, and we are excited to open the doors the public in November. We have worked hard to create a state-of-the art facility. It is a library that residents and visitors of all ages will love, but especially children who will be able to enjoy a fantastic collection of books, an immersive audio-visual storytelling room and plenty of spaces to enjoy reading and take part in fun activities.
Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council
The dynamic space also features an events area that forms part of the foyer and public cafe, art displays, a gaming area for teenagers, a dedicated children’s library, a teaching area, and a bookable 100-person meeting space.
