Sectors
Local AuthorityDorset County Council Offices, Library and Adult Education Centre, Dorchester
Dorset County Council Offices, Library and Adult Education Centre, Dorchester
The 2 hectare Charles Street site in the centre of Dorchester has received planning permission for the new West Dorset District Council Offices, together with a Library and Adult Education Centre for Dorset County Council.
Other Local Authority Projects
The WDDC offices comprise 42,000 ft2 of high quality office space on 4 floors fully fitted out to Cat B standard incorporating the Council Member's Chamber; the Library is 22,000 ft2 on 3 floors to a Cat A standard.
The site is within the Roman Town of Durnovaria and the archaeological impact on the design had to be carefully managed to avoid excessive excavations; the location of the drainage attenuation tank was coordinated to accommodate an archaeological dig.
The building is designed to a high quality using local natural stonework and to achieve a BREEAM 'EXCELLENT' rating. Emphasis has been placed on adopting low maintenance materials, maximising the use of daylight and natural ventilation. Solar PV cells are being installed for the full length of the south facing roof and together with increased U values and other design criteria will make this an energy efficient building.
The construction contract was procured through the EU Procurement rules and as well as our normal Project Management services Thornton-Firkin were the lead consultant throughout this process.