View report page

131
The plans referred to in this communication have been submitted
to the Committee and explained in various details by the
Architect, Mr. F. J. Smith, who has since handed in the
following notes thereon:—
April 4th, 1S89.
Gentlemen,
In submitting the scheme for the proposed New Free Public
Library, and remodelling the Public Baths and Wash-houses, I beg
to lay before you the following particulars:—
Firstly, as regards the Library: the removal of the Library has
become imperative by the requirements of the Church House
Committee, who has expressed its desire to terminate the present
short lease, and to occupy the premises without alteration. It
therefore became necessary to seek another site, and the most
appropriate one is that adjacent to the Public Baths and Washhouses,
thus forming one large Parochial Freehold.
The portion of property so to be purchased is held on short
leases, and consent has been provisionally obtained for their
acquirement, as also the consent of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners,
on the grounds of its being required for a public benefit
and improvement such as is contemplated.
The area thus acquired for the purposes of the Library is 5,090
square feet, and, in addition, 600 square feet, which it is proposed
to throw into the roadway, and thus initiate a public improvement
which has long been sadly needed, in consequence of the narrowness
and dangerous bend in the roadway.
The accommodation provided in the Library is much in excess of
the present, both as regards storage for books and reading rooms.
The ventilation and lighting will be on the most approved principles,
and the increased height of the rooms will add greatly to
the comfort of the large and increasing number of visitors. The
supervision on which so much depends has been specially considered,
and is so arranged that the staff can see into every room,
and beyond this, that with the increasing numbers, no addition
will be rendered necessary to the present staff.
Secondly, as regards the Public Baths and Wash-houses, they
were the first erected under the Act some forty-five years since,
and have become dilapidated and altogether unfit for the present
requirements of the inhabitants, for whose benefit they were
intended. These it is proposed to entirely re-model, and to supply
with modern and the most approved appliances.
The additional area proposed to be taken is 3,310 square feet.
With this increased area it is intended to form first and second
class swimming baths of ample proportions, the first class being
132 feet long by 31 feet wide, and the second class 62 feet by 32
feet, provided with all requisite dressing boxes, and other accommodation.
There are 8 first class slipper baths for women, and 20 for men;
and the same number of second class baths for women and men.
Arrangements have been made so that women can use both first
and second class swimming baths on certain days, if required.
M 2