Palmers Green Library

This project on behalf of the London Borough of Enfield saw the complete refurbishment of Palmers Green Library. Existing stair wells and lift shafts were demolished and several internal walls were removed, this included extensive asbestos removal and resulted in a dramatically reconfigured layout across the buildings three floors.

The library also received a new roof and windows throughout, the works to the roof required constant communication between our project team and several telecommunication organisations who had mobile aerials stationed on top of the building.

A two storey extension to the front of the building was constructed to provide a new stair well and canopy for the main entrance lobby. External works included new stairs, perimeter fencing, high level paving and the provision of a new, larger car park.

The lower ground floor was refurbished and left empty as the council intent to rent the space out in the near future. The upper ground floor is home to the main entrance, staff offices, computer area and a community room with the main library, children’s area and a secondary entrance located on the first floor.

Electronic noticeboards and interactive tables are located on both floors and allow users to call up information by touch to find educational material and games as well as an electronic museum display for local history, Enfield heritage information and quizzes.

Solar panels and the installation of state-of-the-art low energy LED lighting helped contribute to the project being the first on behalf of the London Borough of Enfield to achieve BREEAM, a best practice assessment for sustainable buildings.