Client 
Basingstoke and Dean Borough Council

Brief 
Basingstoke Library is due for a major refurbishment as part of Hampshire County Council’s ongoing investment programme. Other libraries in the county have been reinvented as ‘discovery centres’, with a significant uplift in usage and profile. Rather than improve our existing site, should we consider a more radical solution? Could a relocated ‘discovery centre’ kick-start the cultural rejuvenation of the old town centre? What tangible economic benefits could we expect? And what would we need to do to cement the transformation? 

Approach
Working in partnership with BOP Consulting  we analysed the evidence surrounding ‘cultural regeneration’ in general, and the role of libraries in particular. As well as reviewing the academic literature, a number of case study towns were interviewed. To understand Basingstoke’s specific situation, we also consulted a series of local and regional stakeholders, and conducted field research into the town’s cultural and commercial offer. 

Outcome
A series of options were presented and debated with the Council and its partners in a half-day workshop. These options were then appraised by the client team, against the Council’s plans and budgets. Thus informed, the decision was taken to retain the library at the existing site. 

Testing Propositions - II