A space age-style red and white chequered building was this afternoon unveiled as the chosen design for the new £2.3 million Bentley Library.
More than 70 companies from all over the world vied for the contract and London designer Fashion Architecture Taste (FAT) has been selected. The building, which is planned for Queen Elizabeth Avenue, is not unlike The Public – the arts centre in West Bromwich which many have compared to a shoe box in its design.
Detailed plans will now be drawn up with a planning application due in the summer for the library. It will also include a nursery.
Councillor Louise Harrison, Walsall Council cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: “This is a fantastic news for Bentley and will put the community on the design map.
“We had some great ideas come forward but it was vital that the residents had their say on which one they liked the best.”
A shortlist of six was chosen with the designs put on public display.
People’s views were then put before a judging panel featuring councillors and residents.
Councillor Bill Madeley, a judging panel member, commented: “Nationally it will be recognised as a building of great quality and a model for many other places.”
4 Comments
Not that it’ll be uglier than a box of frogs. Oh, no…
It’s rubbish.
Why ?
Hope al those squares are not windows, if so thet better be triple glazed and vandal proof!! To be fair, its this kind of development this area needs. Good stuff.