Reconfiguring Brent Civic Centre

Interiors did a full redesign of 22,600 sq ft of space at the award-winning Brent Civic Centre, Wembley Park, for Brent Council.

The project delivered improvements to Wembley Library and created a new resident hub, with comfortable and accessible public spaces that better serve the needs of local people.

Full scope

Several public services have been integrated into a more spacious and versatile library building, including a larger, purpose-built children’s library, new study areas, quiet zones, and an expanded library collection.

A new ground floor hub features a dedicated customer service area, complete with a digital zone and private rooms for confidential conversations. An area has also been fitted out for weddings and other events, which has been decorated to a high standard to improve the experience of guests.

Other enhancements include a new accessible main entrance on Exhibition Way and an internal layout that considers the needs of wheelchair users, pushchairs and people with complex needs.

Interiors also installed new M&E, plumbing and heating systems within the building, as well as new lighting, acoustics and enhanced temperature controls.

Driving social mobility

Interiors partnered with West London Careers Hub to deliver more than £1.5 million in social return on investment. Activities included support for local schools and colleges through careers events, work experience and industry insights.

What people said

Neil Adams, senior operations manager at Willmott Dixon Interiors:

“Civic spaces are the heartbeat of our communities and it’s vital that they meet the evolving needs of local people. Brent Council recognised the opportunity it had to adapt an award-winning building into an exciting space that better serves all of its residents. We’re proud to hand over a modern community library and resident hub that provides improved public access and facilities for all.”

Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, cabinet member for resident support and culture:

“Our award-winning Civic Centre has served residents and the council well over the past decade but it’s essential for us to adapt and keep pace with the evolving needs of our community. This exciting new space will enable us to better serve our residents, especially those with the most complex needs. With a brand-new customer service area and an upgraded library, we’ve created a more accessible, comfortable and confidential environment with enhanced facilities for everyone to enjoy.”

Andy Peck, senior client relationship manager, Procurement Hub:

“This project exemplifies the benefits of working with Willmott Dixon Interiors through the MPF2 framework. Their flexibility allows them to deliver value where it’s most needed.”

Accessibility

The changes will allow the building to accommodate wheelchair users, pushchairs and people with complex needs. Visitors will also be greeted by an enhanced arrival experience, including a new main entrance and welcome desk facility, while the mezzanine level will see a flexible, multi-use library, with more study spaces.

Benefits of Willmott Dixon Interiors work:

• A new welcoming main entrance to the building on Exhibition Way by Sainsbury’s and new customer waiting area.
• A new dedicated customer area on the ground floor, where customers can meet with Hubs and Customer Service staff. This will include more meeting rooms so that customers can have private and confidential conversations with staff
• A new purpose-built and enclosed Children’s Library
• A repurposed mezzanine floor with a flexible and multi-use Library space and an increased number of study spaces
• A private Family Room for confidential meetings
• The building will be more accessible for visitors with wheelchairs, pushchairs, and complex needs
• A dedicated digital area to support residents and visitors

A rich pedigree

Opened in 2013, Brent Civic Centre attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to speak to customer services, get married, register births and deaths, study, and socialise.

The project to refurbish the centre has been shaped by a wide-ranging review into how visitors and residents access its services. It included a consultation with more than 500 residents, staff focus groups and surveys.

Willmott Dixon Interiors was awarded via the Procurement Hub framework. To support community engagement, it will also team up with West London Careers Hub to support local schools and colleges through careers events, work experience and industry insights.

Neil Adams, senior operations manager at Willmott Dixon Interiors:

“Brent Council recognises the importance of responding to the changing needs of those using its facilities. The Civic Centre is an important community resource and this project has been purposely designed to ensure it continues to deliver a positive experience for everyone. We’ll be repurposing the space to provide better public access, with open spaces that are not only more welcoming, but are easier to find and navigate too.”

Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, cabinet member for customers, communities & culture at Brent Council:

“Our award-winning Civic Centre has served residents and the council well over the past decade. However, a lot has changed, particularly since the pandemic and it’s important for us to adapt to meet the evolving needs of our residents. This exciting transformation will enable us to better serve our community, prioritising those with the most complex needs, creating a more accessible space and providing enhanced facilities for all to enjoy.”

Willmott Dixon Interiors has a long track record for delivering public sector refurbishment projects. The contractor recently worked with Enfield Council to complete the CAT B fit of flexible office and meeting space at Edmonton Library and handed over a new children and family hub at Thomas Hardy House in Enfield, which opened last year.