New chapter for Reading as Morgan Sindall hands over library transformation

Celebrations soar as Morgan Sindall Construction’s Thames Valley business has officially handed over the relocation, extension, and refurbishment of Reading Library to Reading Borough Council, marking the completion of Phase Two of the landmark project.

The delivery of the new Central Library, alongside the extension to the Civic Offices at Bridge Street and refurbishment of areas within the existing building, has created approximately 1,400m² of modern library accommodation and reorganised customer service facilities. The works, procured through the Westworks DPS Framework, form part of the wider £10.7 million regeneration of Reading’s civic quarter.

The completion of Phase Two paves the way for the library to officially open its doors to local children, residents, and the wider community. The revitalised facility features a striking new atrium space, self-service kiosks, improved accessibility, and a dedicated children’s library designed to encourage learning and creativity for younger visitors.

To mark the completion of the project, the library hosted an official launch event on 17 June, welcoming guests to explore the new facilities and experience the transformed space firsthand. The event brought together members of the project team, Reading Borough Council representatives and key stakeholders, including Matt Rodda MP, Member of Parliament for Reading Central, Olivia Bailey MP, Member of Parliament for Reading West and Mid Berkshire, and Councillor Liz Terry, Leader of Reading Borough Council.

The opening proved a significant success, attracting more than 2,300 visitors on its first day. Highlights included Rhymetime sessions hosted by the Mayor, which welcomed around 100 children and families, while the library also welcomed its first school visits from Katesgrove and Coley Primary Schools.

Phase One of the project was completed earlier this year, with the newly redesigned Civic Centre reception opening to the public on 26 January. The first phase delivered a transformed civic centre featuring a bright, double-height atrium accessed through new revolving doors, creating a modern and welcoming entrance for residents and visitors. The redesigned reception also introduced digital check-in services and modern, accessible facilities, with devices and staff support available for those requiring assistance with online services.

Morgan Sindall delivered the project while operating on a live site, carefully managing construction activity around the day-to-day operations of the civic offices to minimise disruption for council staff, library users, and members of the public. The phased programme and close collaboration with stakeholders ensured services could continue safely and efficiently throughout the works.

In line with Morgan Sindall’s commitment to delivering meaningful social value within the communities in which it operates, the project team welcomed eight apprentices and seven work placement students onto site to gain valuable industry experience, while also creating 11 new jobs for local people. The tier one contractor also engaged with 12 schools across the region to showcase careers within construction and inspire the next generation to consider opportunities in the sector.

Sustainability remained a key focus, with the project achieving a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating. To support this outcome, the team utilised sustainably sourced timber, recycled demolition materials, and installed a new MEP system to support the building’s redesigned layout and relocated library and office spaces. Morgan Sindall also used the CarboniCa digital carbon modelling tool, externally validated by Arup and aligned with RICS professional standards, to calculate embodied carbon savings across the project lifecycle.

Alongside Morgan Sindall, the project has been delivered in collaboration with CPMG landscape and architects, Pick Everard project managers, Hands On engineers, Etch M&E engineers, and Glanville civil and structural engineers.