24 September 2007
Contact: Tessa Kordeczka, 020 7070 6769
Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council is to be presented with a plaque to mark the inclusion of Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre in the shortlist for this year’s Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award.
Lynda Fairhurst, Head of Oldham Lifelong Learning Service, and Sheena MacFarlane, Head of Heritage, Libraries and Art, will be presented with the plaque by Mairi Johnson, CABE's Head of Enabling for public buildings, at 2.30pm on Tuesday 25 September. Media are invited to attend the presentation at Oldham Library, Greaves Street, Oldham.
The library, designed by Pringle Richards Sharratt Architects, is among 18 shortlisted entries competing for the Prime Minister’s Award. The award recognises new buildings, places and spaces that, through good design, have improved local public services, create a sense of community and local pride, and are helping to build a sustainable future.
Bringing together children's, adult and reference libraries as well as a performance space, IT teaching rooms, art rooms and a crèche, the judges commended the building for providing a focus for the whole community which has helped to breathe new life into a previously neglected part of Oldham. Proof of its success is the sharp rise in visitor numbers - more than double those to the old library - since its opening in 2006.
The building includes environmentally sustainable features such as collecting rain water from the green roof and using it to flush toilets throughout the building, and making maximum use of natural ventilation and light.
CABE's Mairi Johnson said:
'Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre is an exemplary public building which makes learning, art, reading and performance accessible to all sectors of community. Both functional and attractive, it is designed and built to last.'
Lynda Fairhurst and Sheena MacFarlane from Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council, who jointly accepted the plaque, said:
'This flagship building has combined literature and learning in a visually exciting, accessible and environmentally friendly building. We were delighted to be a part of the planning process and equally delighted with the positive response of its thousands of users.'
Now in its seventh year, the Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award recognises excellence in design quality and procurement practices of publicly funded building schemes. The 18 schemes shortlisted for this year's award were drawn from 117 entries. The award is jointly sponsored by CABE and the Office of Government Commerce (OGC). It is part of the British Construction Industry Awards and the winner will be announced on 10 October.