Plans to build a state of the art book depository for the Bodleian Library were given the go-ahead yesterday afternoon.
Commenting on the win, Dr Sarah Thomas, Bodleian chief says; “We shall now be able to house all our collections in a secure modern building. We can now also redevelop the New Bodleian into a major research centre for scholars…’ ‘We are confident that when the depository is completed it will be recognised as a positive contribution to the City”
The £29 million project has been designed to hold nearly 8 million books and ensure the library has enough shelving space for the next 20 years. An existing extension to the ancient library, the New Bodleian, is reportedly running at 130% capacity.
This story from the Guardian last week reported claims that; “some books are shelved under pipes carrying liquids and in the caged sections books are stacked waste high and only three floors have air conditioning”
No one was arguing that a new facility needed to be built. What had got the NO-campaigners vocal was one if not all three of the following issues:
The View: It is argued that the new design for the building will ruin the view of Oxfords trademark “dreaming spires” for tourists and residents alike. Consider though that the current site in Osney is also home to an industrial/business park. None of those buildings are going to be winning the Stirling prize for architecture any time soon. Compared to the proposed design, I fail to see how it could be any worse than what is currently there.
The Design: The Bodleian say that the depository has been “designed to fit in with the local environment and to blend in with the Oxford skyline” Personally I find the sweeping roof is more in keeping with an out of town shopping or leisure centre (sorry Bodleian). Then again if it’s good enough for English Heritage and the Environment Agency to back, then it’s good enough for me. Speaking of the Environment Agency…
The Flood plain: Critics argued that as the site sits on a flood plain, housing a library depository would not only be an unnecessary risk to its precious contents but will potentially divert water to surrounding areas. Understandable, when you consider the ruin flooding bought to many parts of the country this summer. Then consider that argument when looking where the National Archives and House of Commons are situated. They may get very soggy should river defences including the Thames barrier (which also protects Oxford) ever fail.
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