Canada Water Library holds off spring rain to get new floor

Due for completion in 2011, the £14.1m iconic, state of the art library and community facility has been commissioned by Southwark Council and will sit at the heart of Canada Water in a new civic plaza. The historic old Docklands area, once a bustling port, will once again become dynamic and full of life.

Cllr Paul Noblet, Southwark's executive member for regeneration, was joined by Rotherhithe ward councillors Columba Blango and Jeff Hook, and Simon Hughes MP. Cllr Noblet said it was another exciting day in the construction of the library:

"The library is spearheading the massive regeneration of Canada Water, and the area is now on everyone's lips as a hugely desirable area to live. The first phase of construction will create around 900 new homes, including affordable housing, and new shopping, community and green spaces."

"The architecture is hugely exciting and reflects Southwark Council's commitment to providing essential public buildings without sacrificing exciting and innovative design."

"Together the library and plaza, with its restaurants, cafes and stimulating community areas, will form part of a buzzing new town centre for the area."

The library offers a huge range of facilities including being open seven days a week, providing community space, free internet and Wifi, laptops for visitors to use, a public exhibition and performance space, dedicated learning suite, study space, homework clubs, story sessions for young children, author appearances, café and a daily programme of events.

David Taylor, Chairman of Master developers BL Canada Quays was also present, along with Piers Gough, architect of the new library, resident representative Barry Duckett and representatives from partners Barratt, and contractors ISG Jackson.

David Taylor, Chairman of BL Canada Quays said: "BL Canada Quays promised the local community a high quality mixed use scheme with a community focus. The library will complete the first phase of regeneration at Canada Water, fulfilling the aspirations of the masterplan and the community, and the first steps towards a new town centre for the area.

The new library building resembles an inverted pyramid that partly overhangs the Canada Water basin. A dominant feature of the four storey building is a striking full height atrium, with a timber-lined central spiral staircase travelling up to the expanding shape above.

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