Balfour Beatty has demonstrated its commitment to leaving a sustainable legacy with the completion of the £4.1 million refurbishment of Exeter Library.
The original 1960s’ library was outdated but it has been transformed by Balfour Beatty, in partnership with Devon County Council and their agent NPS, into a first-class facility for information, learning and culture. Much needed improvements include better accessibility, revamped meeting and performance spaces, increased space for children and a new café.
With the help of the community, and engagement with the customer, the project team has maximised the use of space and flexibility in the building. Sustainable features such as photovoltaic panels and the latest environmental controls to reduce the use of heating and air-conditioning have been introduced.
Balfour Beatty has employed locally with 90% of trades sourced from Devon-based supply chain partners and the support of four apprenticeships in carpentry, M&E and decorating. The site also took part in Balfour Beatty’s Open Doors Day, where the site was opened up to the public offering people an opportunity to look behind the scenes of a live construction project.
Devon County Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for the library, Councillor Roger Croad, said: "The long awaited and much anticipated Exeter Library, our third Devon Centre, is now open to the public, offering a wider range of services than ever before. I'm very pleased with its content and design, which has brought a new energy into the building while keeping many of the original features that people loved about the original building.”
Andy McAdam, Balfour Beatty Delivery Unit Managing Director, said: “We have thoroughly enjoyed delivering this transformation at the heart of the city for our customer, Devon County Council. We trust that the people of Exeter will enjoy using it as much as we have enjoyed creating it.”