A Final Note on the Design of "Preston Library"

Apropos of the "Preston Library" saga, I notice that the Planners' report is quite critical of the existing building saying:

“It  is  considered  that  the existing library building is of a low quality, and the design and layout of the building does not adequately  deliver  floorspace  of  a  high  enough  quality  to  deliver  a  successful  contemporary library.”

We are then further told that:

“The new design approach would provide a space that would be better designed, more efficient

and more engaging for library users and it is considered that the small decrease in floorspace

over  the  existing  library  building  is  considered  acceptable  in  this  instance.  Furthermore  the

re-provision  of  a  modern  building  with  the  facilities  purpose  designed  to  meet  both  adopted

policy  requirements,  and  floorspace  suitable  for  the  local  community  to  use  the  flexible  room

for a variety group based activities with scope host activities and events in a more effective and

flexible  way.  Overall  it  is  considered  that  the  new  library  would  provide  a  new,  high  quality

modern library for the local community.”

Incidentally, the report suggests that the existing book collection is 4,000 books, and the new one is 6,000 books which leaves me to wonder why it needs so much shelving.