It Mayhave been in the pipeline for several decades, but Swindon's new Central Library is set to become a beacon for the town centre's regeneration, according to Swindon Council.

The design of the 9.6m development was unveiled at the Civic Offices yesterday and council bosses have hailed it as "exceptional".

The building, which will bring the lending and reference libraries together under one roof, has been designed in-house by council architects Nic Newland and Tony Currivan and will be constructed alongside Swindon Town Hall.

Council leader, Coun Mike Bawden, said, after he had revealed the plans, which have been given the thumbs up by English Heritage, that it was a touching moment for him.

"For over 50 years, the local authority responsible for the provision of library services has been talking about a new Central Library, so I am particularly emotional today about these plans," he said.

"This is the one thing that will make the people of Swindon believe that Swindon Borough Council is a council of the 21st century a council that is delivering on its promises."

The new library will be spread over three floors and is three times as big as its current home.

It will feature study areas, sections specifically for children and quiet reading space.

The council is aiming to move the current library to a temporary home at the Paramount development on Princes Street by the beginning of June.

Building work on the new library is expected to start in August with the project set to be completed by May 2008.

Although the new Central Library features three public floors, the roof height will be virtually the same as the existing Town Hall.

This has been achieved by placing the staff offices and storage rooms in the roof space.

The windows will also have similar proportions and style to the Town Hall, while the new building will be constructed using similar brick and slate tiles.

Coun Justin Tomlinson, lead member for culture, leisure and recreation, said the project was on time and on budget.

He added: "We want this building to be appreciated for many generations, which is why it will be solidly-built from red brick and quality stonework.

"It sets the standard for the rest of the town centre regeneration."

Deputy leader of Swindon Council, Coun Roderick Bluh, added: "It was clear to us that the new library needed to set the tone for the future regeneration of the town centre.

"I think we have come up with something which is exceptional because it has been quite a struggle to get here. I cannot wait to see it go up and I look forward to two years' time."

There's something for all

THE new Central Library is set to offer a wide range of facilities catering for all users.

Access to the building will be through a cylindrical feature entrance on Regent Circus, while a landscaped central courtyard between the new library and the Town Hall will also be created, along with an outdoor first-floor terrace.

All external walls have bay windows and small window balconies that will provide window seats and seating areas for reading and study.

The ground floor will house a double-height entrance lobby, main reception, general library space, a children's library, leisure zone and doors to the landscaped inner courtyard.

A teen zone, homework club, leisure zone, doors to the roof terrace and access to the Town Hall will be available on the first floor, while a quiet zone, local studies area and reading room within the entrance tower will make up the second floor of the building.

The third floor, which uses up accommodation within the roof space, will house offices, meeting rooms, a staff room and storage rooms.

What inspired the architects of new building

THE Charles McIntosh-designed Glasgow School of Art was the inspiration behind the new Central Library.

"We wanted to make the building modern, but also traditional," said Nic Newland, who drew up the plans with fellow council architect Tony Currivan.

"The Town Hall is very classical and has a lot of qualities to it, which is one of the reasons why we have opted to make the windows of the new library very similar. We have also gone for red brick and similar slate tiles so the library blends in with the Town Hall.

"The new library will have a double entrance by Regent Circus, but it does not take away the dominance of the Town Hall.

"And as you come in the entrance you will be able to see the other floors of the library so users can have an idea of what it is going on."

The architects have also raised the level of the children's library, to give an elevated view, and added a first-floor roof terrace overlooking the new landscaped courtyard between the library and the Town Hall.

"The building will also be self ventilating thanks to ventilation towers around the outside."