Eye Library

Works completed at Eye Library, providing a brand new library facility for the local community.

The plans for the project were agreed by Suffolk County Council in March 2018, with the new building being funded by the sale of the current site where the library has been for around 40 years. The old building was never designed to be permanent and the new library provides a modern and purpose-built library for the residents of Eye and surrounding areas to enjoy.

The building was designed and overseen by Concertus Design & Property Consultants Ltd and constructed by building firm R G Carter.

Construction of the new library in Cross Street successfully completed in December 2018 with official opening in February 2019. The old library closed on Sunday 13th January 2018 and there was a temporary closure whilst Suffolk Libraries staff moved and set up everything at the new library ready for the 24th. R G Carter were considerate of this, working with stakeholders to ensure the smooth transition to their temporary home.

Our working area for this project presented a number of challenges which were managed professionally by our Building Solutions Team. The access road was shared with the main town car park, which meant that the road was required to stay open throughout the life of the project. With a robust logistics plan, we were able to manage the confines of the site aswell as the important relationships with local residents.

The building was finished to the highest quality, with external render and wooden cladding to give the desired aesthetics, combining a modern and vibrant feel while also establishing it’s practicality and long term durability. The roof was finished with a Bauder Total Roof System, installed by a local and well-trusted sub-contract partner. Automatic doors were specified and installed to the community entrance.

The library features wheeled shelving which can be moved aside to create more space for events and activities and offers accessible toilet facilities and an interactive information screen aswell as a hireable meeting room.

Tony Brown, Chair of Suffolk Libraries said: “It’s been a great team effort with SCC, Concertus and R G Carter working together with Suffolk Libraries to deliver a modern library facility that will provide a better library environment and experience for everyone in the local community.”