ISG Completes Iconic Canada Water Library
ISG has successfully completed a £14 million project to deliver the new Canada Water Library, creating a landmark community resource that is the focal point of a wider South London regeneration masterplan.
The library is the anchor for a bold plan to transform the Rotherhithe Peninsula area of Southwark with the creation of 2,500 new homes, 35,000m2 of new retail space, 12,000m2 of new business space and an improved public realm with the library providing a focal point for the community. Combining a library with a performance space and auditorium, a cafeteria, study areas and community meeting rooms, the 2,500m2 building has been designed as a place to meet and learn with Wi-Fi access and a range of IT facilities throughout.
The library building is a striking structure that slopes outwards at 50 degrees across two elevations and 80 degrees on the remaining two façades, maximising the available space from the site’s footprint by rising from ground floor level in an inverted pyramid shape. The four-storey building features a full height atrium, double height performance area, gallery overlooking the library, and at roof level the structure extends several metres out over the Canada Water basin.
The complex structural requirements for the building saw ISG use a series of raking steel columns around the building’s perimeter to help form the cantilevers on each floor level, with a central concrete core providing the structure’s stability. Extensive temporary works were required to enable the erection of the steelwork, with a further complication being the proximity of one of the exits to the Canada Water Underground Station, which was located within the footprint of the building and has subsequently been incorporated into the structure creating a major new thoroughfare.
The library sits at the edge of a new civic plaza which has been designed to allow for a farmers market, large TV screenings, festivals and a host of other events and activities.
ISG’s Bernard Clarke, managing director – South East, commented: “With an innovative design that maximises the available space on site, Canada Water Library is an iconic building, epitomising the value of public spaces in bringing opportunities and cohesion to communities. The tremendous complexity of the building, both in terms of its structure and location, has consistently challenged us as a contractor and has ultimately validated the client’s decision to involve ISG from the very outset of the project. This early contractor involvement brought our skills and expertise to the table at inception, proving influential in reducing waste and maximising efficiencies, ultimately leading to the successful delivery of this iconic regeneration scheme.”
Nick Hann; Tel: 07970 275251; Email: nick.hann@isgplc.com
ISG Plc is an international construction services company delivering fit out, construction and a range of specialist services, with 31 offices worldwide. The company works with owners, developers and occupiers in the public and private sector for an extensive range of industries. ISG Plc was established in 1989 and has been quoted on AIM since 1998. Today the company has a turnover of around £1.2 billion.
For further information about ISG please visit our website www.isgplc.com
