Glanville is proud to be playing a key role in the £6.8million redevelopment of Reading Library, commissioned by Reading Borough Council.
This transformative project will relocate the library’s collection and facilities into the town’s existing Civic Offices, creating a modern, sustainable, and accessible cultural hub in the heart of Reading.
Our Role in the Project
Bringing together our expertise in civil engineering, structural engineering, geomatics, and 3D Studio services, Glanville is contributing to every stage of this complex refurbishment and extension. By combining technical innovation with practical engineering solutions, we are helping to deliver a public facility that celebrates both efficiency and sustainability.
View the full Reading Library fly-through below:
Engineering Challenges and Solutions
The project involves the refurbishment of the existing Civic Office building, with an extension and new roof structure over the internal courtyard. The construction primarily uses a steel frame with a metal deck roof, integrating seamlessly with the existing structure.
Sustainability has been a driving force throughout: the reuse of the existing building reduces the need for new materials and embraces the principle of “build less.” At the same time, our engineers have ensured that new elements integrate effectively with the existing framework, safeguarding long-term structural performance.
Working within a tight city-centre site — bounded by roads, buildings, and an operational basement car park — presented additional challenges. These have included:
- Careful analysis of existing and proposed structural loads.
- Reviewing intrusive survey data, including rebar scanning with Hilti PROFIS Detection.
- Developing solutions for piling within the basement and strengthening the existing structure.
- Ensuring construction could proceed safely while parts of the building remained in use.
Digital Design and Collaboration
Digital modelling and collaborative design tools have been integral to this project. Our team created a full Revit model of the existing building, providing the foundation for both structural analysis and client engagement. Using Tekla Structural Designer, we carried out structural analysis and design, while the Glanville 3D Studio produced detailed animations to help visualise the refurbishment and communicate the proposals clearly to stakeholders.
To ensure smooth project delivery, our team has embraced modern project management platforms, including Viewpoint and Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), allowing for efficient coordination with architects, contractors, and the client.
Building for the Future
The redevelopment of Reading Library will provide the community with a welcoming and contemporary facility, equipped for the needs of today and tomorrow. Features such as a green roof will contribute to the building’s sustainability credentials, while the sensitive reuse of the Civic Office structure exemplifies how modern engineering can revitalise existing assets rather than replace them.
This project is a prime example of Glanville’s expertise and our ability to navigate the complexities of city-centre construction, structural integration, and sustainable design. By working collaboratively with Reading Borough Council and project partners, we are helping to deliver a facility that will serve as a cornerstone of public life in Reading for years to come.
Reach out to our team to see how Glanville can help your next project: https://glanvillegroup.com/contact/