Diamond Build Group has upgraded Carnegie Library on behalf of Lambeth Council.
Carried out while the library remained open to the public, the 16-week project involved external repairs and an internal refurbishment to the grade II listed building in Herne Hill.
Diamond Build was responsible for repairing brickwork and cleaning the building’s brick and stone façade. To rectify drainage issues, a new cast iron rainwater pipe was installed to reflect the existing architecture. The library’s stained-glass windows were also removed and taken to a specialist workshop to be repaired.
Inside the building, Diamond Build repaired the parquet floor and redecorated throughout, protecting any historic architectural features.
David Lott, Senior Contracts Manager at Diamond Build, said: “Carnegie Library is an impressive, listed building that is more than 100 years old. We worked closely with the council’s conservation officers to deliver the refurbishment ensuring the upgrades matched the building’s historic fabric. This included creating a test panel for the brickwork repairs to make sure there was the right mix of mortar and colour before we began work.
“Minimising disruption for visitors and staff was another priority. With a full events programme and two community halls, Carnegie Library is a popular facility for the local community. Our site team prepared a programme of works in partnership with the library’s staff to accommodate as many existing activities as possible.”
The completion builds on Diamond Build’s expertise in refurbishing libraries and other occupied community facilities. Last year, the contractor refurbished Alexandra Park Library and Wood Green Library in Haringey, and has recently been appointed for the £1m refurbishment of Muswell Hill Library, also in Haringey.
