Brandon Library and Youth Centre Redesign

BRANDON LIBRARY AND YOUTH CENTRE REFURBISHMENT UPDATE

Welcome to this latest stakeholder update on the Brandon Library and Youth Centre refurbishment, where we share progress on this important investment in local community spaces.

What’s happening now

Initial works are underway, including internal strip-out, surveys and technical investigations. These early stages are essential to ensure that the wider refurbishment can be delivered safely and to a good standard.

The life-saving defibrillator equipment has been relocated to the Jack Hobbs next door so that it remains accessible during the works.

Utilities and design changes

As part of these early investigations, previously unidentified utility services were located in the area earmarked for the proposed extension. Further technical assessment identified that relocating these services would require substantial additional investment and significantly extend the construction programme duration. Following careful consideration, the council has taken the decision to focus available funding on delivering the core refurbishment and accessibility improvements, ensuring the project remains affordable, deliverable and provides the greatest overall benefit to the community.

The council has worked closely with the design team to refine the proposals, retaining the vast majority of the planned improvements while creating a scheme that can be delivered efficiently and represents excellent value for money. The revised design means:

• the extension will no longer be built and the refurbishment will focus investment on improving and modernising the building.
• the library will include one new public accessible toilet cubicle (there were no public toilets previously)
• the library will gain more open space near the entrance and feel more open-plan and welcoming creating improved sightlines and a better experience for visitors
• the library will no longer include the additional quiet room/quiet space that had been proposed
• the youth centre plans remain the same overall with slight changes to the location of the staff office
• the youth centre lift will be provided with a dedicated accessible entrance, significantly improving inclusive access to youth services
• the entire building will benefit from new energy-efficient windows, upgraded heating and cooling systems, and improved environmental performance, creating a more comfortable space for users throughout the year (previously there was no air conditioning facility)
• In addition, the refurbishment will continue to deliver substantial improvements to the overall quality, appearance and functionality of the building, helping to create a modern community facility that is fit for the future.

While the design has evolved following the discovery of the utility services, the revised scheme retains the key objectives of the project and enables works to progress without significant delay. The investment will deliver a transformed library and youth centre, with major improvements to accessibility, comfort, sustainability, appearance and the overall user experience for residents.

Fit-out and final design – what we heard and what’s changing

Feedback from local people has helped shape the final design, with a focus on accessibility, clear layouts, family-friendly facilities and welcoming community spaces. The updated plans reflect these priorities, including improved signage, a public toilet, flexible spaces for study and activities, and a reopening programme shaped with local residents, schools and community groups.

Temporary closure and alternative youth provision

The library and youth centre are closed during the works so that the refurbishment can be carried out safely. To minimise disruption, a temporary youth programme has been running since late February:

• Tuesday evenings at Camberwell Leisure Centre
• Wednesdays as detached youth work around the area
• Thursday evenings at Bethwin Road Adventure Playground

These sessions are being led by the same youth team who normally work from Brandon.

Library customers have also been signposted to nearby libraries at Camberwell and Walworth while Brandon Library is closed.

What’s next

As early works are completed, the project will move into the main refurbishment phase, including structural changes, internal reconfiguration and installation of new facilities.

The next key stages are expected to include:

• completion of enabling works and design adjustments
• main internal refurbishment works
• installation of new facilities and accessibility improvements
• fit-out, furniture installation and final finishes

The construction program is currently under review and any changes to the completion date will be communicated.

Staying in touch

We know refurbishment works can be disruptive, and we appreciate residents’ patience while this important investment is delivered. We will continue to share clear updates with residents, the TRA and ward councillors as key stages are reached, including confirmed reopening information when it is available.