The design for this exciting new community building was approved by members in August 2010. Soon after, Slough Borough Council embarked on a comprehensive consultation exercise with local residents to get views and ideas on how this building could be used and what the internal layout could be like.
The results from the consultation provided the council with some useful ideas on how services and spaces in the 4447m2 facility should be designed and run. The findings show that local people would like to see:
- A warm relaxing environment
- Helpful staff who have a good all round knowledge
- Computers and study spaces
- Greater range of books
- Performances and films
- Career guidance and life skills
- Variety of learning activities
- Café where you can meet friends and relax
- Various cultural activities
- Segregated areas/zones for children, adults reading/newspapers, games
- Exhibitions (including local interest/cultural interest)
- Professional, academic and vocational courses
- An area for council debates on things that affect them
- The opportunity to take part in council decisions
The Curve will create an internal pedestrian link between the new bus station and Mackenzie Square making it far easier, and safer, for pedestrians to access the town centre.
The building is environmentally friendly as it incorporates solar panels in the roof and high efficiency gas boilers. There will also be a number of new trees around the entrances making a pleasant environment to pass through.
The Curve is expected to open to visitors in 2015. The existing town centre library will continue to operate as normal until then.