The Brief
Delivering a Modern Community Hub for Learning, Culture and Connection.
As part of Surrey County Council’s ambitious Libraries Transformation Programme, Redhill Library was identified as one of Surrey’s flagship Library Plus locations. Serving one of the county’s largest and most diverse communities, the project formed a key part of the council’s vision to create modern, flexible and future-ready libraries that support learning, wellbeing, digital inclusion and community engagement.
Guided by Surrey Libraries’ Design Principles and the Libraries & Cultural Services Strategy, the refurbishment sought to reimagine Redhill Library as a vibrant destination that challenges traditional perceptions of what a library can be. The goal was to create an inspiring environment that supports the Carnegie model by providing space for cultural experiences, social interaction, learning opportunities and community partnerships, while remaining adaptable to future needs.
The Challenge
Redhill Library required a complete transformation of its public-facing spaces, furniture, shelving and service areas. The existing layout lacked the flexibility needed to support the evolving demands of a modern library service, while key facilities such as the helpdesk, children’s areas, IT provision and meeting spaces required significant improvement.
As a Library Plus location, the space needed to cater for a broad range of users and activities, from independent study and digital learning to community events, exhibitions, performances and partnership working.
The design needed to:
- Create a strong visual impact from the moment visitors entered the building.
- Improve navigation, sightlines and accessibility throughout the library.
- Support Open Access technology and extended opening hours.
- Deliver flexible event and performance spaces.
- Provide dedicated areas for children, study, local history and community use.
- Encourage increased engagement through attractive stock presentation and displays.
- Incorporate Dementia and Autism-friendly design principles.
- Futureproof the library through adaptable furniture and shelving systems.
Our Solution
Working closely with Surrey Libraries and stakeholders throughout the design process, we developed a comprehensive solution that balanced functionality, flexibility and visual appeal.
The redesigned library embraces open sightlines, welcoming interiors and carefully zoned spaces that encourage exploration and discovery. Contemporary shelving, adaptable furniture and integrated technology solutions help create a library that can evolve alongside changing community needs.
Flexible Shelving & Stock Presentation
A complete replacement of the existing shelving system enabled the creation of a more attractive and user-friendly browsing experience.
Modular timber shelving was specified throughout the library, providing:
- Flexible shelf configurations for changing stock requirements.
- Face-on and spine-out display options.
- Mobile shelving units to support events and space reconfiguration.
- Dedicated solutions for adult, children’s and non-fiction collections.
- Enhanced stock promotion opportunities through end displays and feature shelving.
The new layouts improve visibility of collections while encouraging discovery and increasing engagement with library resources.
Creating a Destination Children’s Library
A key focus of the project was the development of an engaging and vibrant children’s library.
The dedicated children’s zone was designed as a flexible, sensory-rich environment that encourages a lifelong love of reading. Mobile shelving, kinderboxes, integrated seating and interactive elements create a welcoming destination for children, parents and carers alike.
The space can easily adapt for:
- Storytime sessions
- Rhyme time events
- School visits
- Family learning activities
- Community performances
Supporting Modern Learning
Recognising the increasing importance of digital access and flexible study spaces, Redhill Library was designed to support a wide range of learning styles.
New facilities include:
- Dedicated public PC areas.
- Flexible laptop working zones.
- Powered study booths.
- Collaborative learning spaces.
- Meeting rooms with integrated technology.
- A dedicated Local History area with specialist facilities.
These spaces support everything from independent study and remote working to group learning and research.
Community, Events & Cultural Activity
A central objective of the transformation was creating a library that could function as a true community hub.
Flexible spaces were incorporated throughout the design to support:
- Exhibitions
- Community events
- Cultural activities
- Performances
- Workshops
- Partner-led services
Mobile furniture, stackable seating and flexible staging solutions allow staff to quickly reconfigure areas to accommodate different activities and audience sizes.
Modern Customer Service
The traditional service model was reimagined through a smaller, more welcoming helpdesk designed to encourage greater interaction between staff and customers.
The new customer service area supports a more mobile and flexible way of working while incorporating:
- DDA-compliant facilities
- Secure storage
- Integrated cable management
- Space for multiple staff members
- Enhanced visibility across the library
The Outcome
The transformed Redhill Library represents the next generation of community library design.
By combining flexible furniture, modern shelving systems, inclusive design principles and future-focused technology, the space now supports a diverse range of activities while remaining welcoming, accessible and adaptable.
The result is a bright, contemporary destination that places learning, community and culture at its heart, helping Surrey Libraries continue to deliver valuable services for generations to come.
Through thoughtful design and future-proofed planning, Redhill Library has been reimagined as a dynamic community hub that reflects the ambitions of Surrey County Council’s wider Libraries Transformation Programme and the evolving needs of local residents.
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