Reading Central Library

A new library presence on Bridge Street

The existing Civic Centre is organised around two internal courtyards in a distinctive “double doughnut” plan. The concept design includes a new entrance extension to form a new civic space and a new glazed roof over the southern under-utilised courtyard in order to form additional space for the library.

This move creates:

- A double‑height foyer that reads clearly as the public entrance

- A stronger library identity within the civic quarter

- Improved legibility for visitors navigating between services

The new entrance sequence replaces a recessed, unwelcoming approach with a bright frontage that better reflects the ambition of Reading’s library service: open to all, easy to understand, and comfortable to use without feeling institutional.

Designing for flexibility, learning and community

The brief called for around 1,400m² of net internal library space, alongside an enhanced customer services reception and enlarged registrars’ accommodation.

To achieve this, the scheme combines a new extension with re‑planned first and second floor areas, creating:

- Flexible reading and study spaces

- Event and performance areas within the former courtyard

- A dedicated children’s library, designed to support creativity and early learning

- Clear sightlines and wayfinding, so visitors can navigate without needing constant assistance

Internalising and glazing the southern courtyard provides a generous double‑height volume, with a new stair connecting ground and first floor library functions. This space is intended to host events, talks and community activities, giving the library a more active, visible role within the building.

CPMG’s technical design work ensured these spaces could be delivered safely and efficiently, coordinating structural, MEP and architectural requirements within a live civic building.

Materials, landscape and civic character

Externally, the extension is formed in aluminium rainscreen cladding, with a new colonnade and canopy that pick up the rhythm of the existing concrete columns and brick arches.

Key moves include:

- Columns and canopy to establish a clear civic frontage

- Curtain wall glazing to express transparency and welcome

- Timber soffits to soften the entrance experience

Around the building, the landscape strategy reshapes planting beds and paths to improve accessibility and create a more textured, biodiverse environment. Existing mature trees on Bridge Street and Fobney Street are retained, with new trees and planting introduced to replace smaller specimens removed near the entrance.

Sustainability and long‑term performance

The project supports Reading Borough Council’s climate and biodiversity ambitions:

- Air source heat pumps serving both the extension and existing building

- Sedum roof to provide micro‑habitats and visual amenity

- Optimised solar shading and fenestration to reduce overheating

- Targeting BREEAM Very Good for the development.

These measures sit alongside improved cycle provision and easy access to public transport, encouraging more sustainable travel choices for visitors and staff.

A collaborative civic project

The design evolved through close collaboration with Reading Borough Council, Hampshire County Council Property Services, Morgan Sindall Construction and the library, customer services and registrars’ teams. Public consultation informed key aspects of the brief - from accessibility and opening hours to children’s provision and study space - ensuring the new library responds to the needs of Reading’s communities.

The result is a library that feels more open, legible and welcoming; a civic building that better reflects the way people use public services today - delivered through coordinated technical design and collaborative construction support.

Interior Photographs by Mike at @ Maxim Photography