Earley crescent resource centre
The Crescent Community Resource Centre was conceived as a local landmark. It is located within a large housing estate in Lower Earley, Reading, an area which previously lacked any community facilities. The building has become a focal point for local community groups to hold meetings, run courses and hold events. The centre incorporates a range of office and meeting rooms, a large hall and an informal area used as a café and exhibition space.
Following extensive consultation with user groups, a voluntary partnering agreement was set up between the client, contractor and design consultants. A good collaborative working relationship between all parties was established, and this allowed all parties to work together to achieve a high quality building which also represented very good value for money.
The project also benefited from the BRE Energy Design Advice Scheme, which helped producing an environmentally sensitive scheme which is appropriate for the greenfield site. Energy efficiency and reduced running costs are achieved by using natural ventilation, high level of insulation and low energy lighting. A rainwater harvesting system is used to provide water to flush toilets. Designing for low maintenance was also an important consideration.