CALNE'S new library complex has been highly commended for its success in developing difficult building land in an urban environment.
Judges from the Royal Institute of British Architects praised the building for improving the environment in the town's historic centre. They were particularly impressed by the restoration of the natural bed of the River Marden, which used to run through a concrete culvert.
Aaron Evans the managing director of Aaron Evans Architects, the company which designed the building, said: "We're absolutely delighted but it's been a team effort from the local and county authorities. In the end we have managed to create a new town centre from scratch."
The building was competing in the Wessex RIBA Town and County Design Awards and was commended in the urban regeneration section.
The library, built on the site of the Harris meat processing factory, is the centrepiece to the design and is adjoined by two branches of shopping units with residential accommodation above. The Queen opened the library in December 2001.
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