East Cowes
Community Hub
From Consultation to Creation
The idea for the East Cowes Community Hub came out of a Local Council public consultation exercise, with the provision of improved library services/a new community hub emerging as a priority.
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The selected site for the Hub is connected to the eastern side of the East Cowes Town Hall. The site was brownfield land and housed public toilets and an inadequate library facility. The single storey building was demolished to make way for the improved facilities.
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Now open to the public as the 'East Side Curve' it houses the East Cowes Community Library including easy chairs and café style seating – ideal for meeting informally with friends for a catch up, popping in to read the newspaper or play a board game. There are regular activities held in the space such as a creative writing and poetry group and a reading group.
The proposals
The application proposals included the replacement of the existing public toilets and Library with a new Community Hub consisting of the following accommodation:
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3x Unisex disabled toilets (both left and right hand layouts), one with baby changing facilities.
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Meeting room for up to 10 people.
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Council office for 4x members of staff.
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Reception/Waiting Area with provision for refreshments.
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Library space with curved glazed wall opening out onto York Avenue to give it greater prominence.
The glazing has prominent figures from the town etched onto the surface. Internally, a feature screen wall with stained glass windows rescued from the demolition of a local Pub.
The Scheme
The scheme’s principal aim was to provide a modern, interactive library space, such as that introduced by high street bookshop brand, Waterstones. With opportunities to meet and discuss books, and with computers for open learning and tourist information, the Community Hub aims to try and bring people together in a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere.
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The main entrance is from the Town Hall delivery access into a reception/waiting area that can double as an
extension to the library or meeting space. The rear wall includes a notice board for local events.
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The elevation of the Community Hub was designed to be subservient to the main Town Hall, using a shallow curved roof to lead the eye up to its dominant neighbour.
