Sneak peek at new £5.7m Drumbrae community hub
A survey of 700 residents that informed the design of the facility, which also houses a day care centre for the elderly.
The new £5.7m Drumbrae Library and Community Hub will open its doors to the public in two weeks time, marking the culmination of a 40-year-battle to bring services to the area.
The area was one of the last parts of Edinburgh more than a mile away from a public library. Construction began on the hub, located on Drumbrae Drive in January 2011. It will be open for business on January 31.
The community is clearly enthusiastic about the opening – smeared handprints on the facility’s windows prove inquisitive locals are eager for a peek inside.
Paul Edie, Councillor for Corstorphine/Murrayfield, said: “The community is very excited. I am very excited. The hub is a long fought-for resource for Drumbrae.
“There was a survey of 700 residents that informed the design so they have been part of the process throughout. They told us what they want and we have been able to accommodate it in the facility.
“People are waiting with anticipation to see what it is going to be like. The manager says there are always kids with their noses pressed against the glass.
“The library looks fantastic. It is going to be a great resource for the community. Libraries are not just about books any more, they are about providing information and advice to people as well.”
Rather than having to borrow copies from other libraries in the city, the hub boasts 20,000 new books. There are public computers and a media creativity suite which includes a Wii, a Playstation, laptops and cameras.
To accommodate the communities on both sides of the hub, there are two front doors for ease of entry.
The facility also provides access to local council services. Residents can visit the hub to pay rent and get careers and learning advice and health information.
Councillor Edie said: “Council offices are located above the library. We now have a Neighbourhood Office actually located in the neighbourhood.
“Prior to this, it was located in Chesser House, just outside of the neighbourhood area.”
The hub also features a day centre for the elderly, with a fenced garden space and kitchen.
Councillor Edie said: “We also have a day centre for frail older people so they will be able to tap into the goodies we have on offer in the library.
“The number of elderly people in Edinburgh households is set to increase. The council is keen to supporting people living at home. Critical to helping the elderly stay at home as long as possible is carer respite.
“We know that carer breakdown is one of the main reasons behind avoidable admissions to care homes.
“Day care in day centres is essential so that carers can get a break and older people can get a bit more quality of life and social interaction.
“We have a couple of day centres we want to merge into this one in Drumbrae. The Tower in Murrayfield and Clermiston Care home are both day centres connected to care homes.
“The Care Commission isn’t so keen on that so we have built this new one that can take on a few more people as well. This will replace the two day centres there – a significant advance. “
The opening date for the day centre is yet to be cemented. The Drumbrae Library doors will open at 10am on January 31.
The new hub in photos
http://local.stv.tv/edinburgh/galleries/sneak-peek-at-new-57m-drumbrae-library-and-community-hub/
