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Walsall libraries regenerate

Walsall’s planned landmark library in Bentley is being seen as a massive accomplishment by Walsall Library Services, after it succeeded in achieving a whole host of objectives and won over a community concerned by its modernisation plans.

When Walsall Library Services first decided to overhaul its branches to meet the future needs of customers, it knew its modernisation plan would have to be self-financing. To do this, it would need to sell off a number of redundant library sites then use the capital to fund the regeneration work.

But when the service invited the community to comment on which libraries should be refurbished or relocated, the residents and businesses of Bentley condemned the proposals fearing the area would become a ghost town.

“We had no idea our proposals would create such widespread anger and concern,” admitted Walsall Council’s Head of Libraries and Heritage, Sue Grainger. 

With such strong support for the Bentley Library, Walsall Council took the decision to broaden the project and regenerate the entire Bentley Centre, bringing much needed investment and jobs.

“Initially we went to the public without much forethought for how our plans might be interpreted. In hindsight, we should have spoken to library staff, local councillors and focus groups and explained our ideas and plans and got them onboard first.”

In response, two committees were set up: The Bentley Centre Project Team, consisting of officials, councillors and library staff, and the Bentley Project Reference Group, made up of community groups, local associations and library users.

While the Project Team worked on the financial costs, health and safety issues, policy requirements, the Project Reference Group focused on the community’s needs and expectations.

A number of community days and workshops were also organised for residents, and it was from these events that it was decided to run a competition for the library’s design which was won by London-based Fashion Architecture Taste (FAT). Bentley’s young people were also given a chance to voice their views on the design.

Bentley Ward Councillor, and Chair of the Project Reference Team, Bill Madeley, said: “We needed a new library and we had to incorporate many things into one building. By getting the community, young and old, involved, we now have a fantastic and futuristic building that belongs to us all.”

According to Sue, the £2 million building project, due for completion by 2011, has come about through strong community spirit and team effort.

“Our biggest hurdle was getting the Council to accept the use of capital receipts to regenerate the library,” admitted Sue. “We could not pay for the improvements any other way. Because of the people we had on Project Teams, we were able to gain support from Cabinet members and the Chief Executive by providing them with a Library Service Review.

“By working with the Reference Team we had local people and organisations that could connect with the community, we had finance people on board to ensure we didn’t exceed the budget, we had design people involved to ensure our plans met requirements, and we also had the backing of the Council."

For more detailed information on Walsall libraries please visit the case study section on the MLA research website.