Reinterprets the library typology as a flexible public building
Allford Hall Monaghan Morris for London Borough of Brent
Contract value: £10.5m
GIA: 4,170m²
The library at Willesden Green forms part of a wider masterplan for the site, replacing a former 1970s library building and surface car park. The masterplan densifies the site, allowing a large portion to be developed for housing. This has in turn funded the new public building and external public spaces.
The 1894 Willesden Library has been retained as a popular local landmark, integrated into the new building through a sensitive conversion into a new public room. The project reinterprets the library typology as a flexible public building including a performing arts space, café, gallery, archive and museum space.
The building is well detailed and visually enriched through the expression of its facades and internal artwork. An exemplar of sustainability, it is well used by all sectors of the community.