Is it possible for a building to embody a community’s identity? The Runnymede Civic Centre does just that. This municipal building in Addlestone houses the Runnymede Borough Council offices. It also includes a library and police station.
Let’s delve into the story of the Runnymede Civic Centre. Its history reflects Runnymede’s evolution. Addlestone was once a chapelry. It fell under the parish of Chertsey. In 1894, the Chertsey Urban District Council formed. Initially, they operated from Guildford Street in Chertsey. By the late 1950s, they needed new offices. They chose a site on Station Road in Addlestone.
The first council offices emerged in 1962. Designed in a modern style, they were built with dark brick. The rear had a landscaped garden. It stood on stilts. These offices served Chertsey Urban District Council for 12 years. In 1974, they became Runnymede Borough Council headquarters. During the Cold War, a bunker was built underneath. It was for use during a nuclear attack.
By the early 2000s, a change was needed. The council planned a new civic centre. It would incorporate a library and police station. The old building was supposed to be sold. The Great Recession changed those plans. Demand fell. The council decided to demolish the old building. The land then became a Waitrose and a Premier Inn.
The Runnymede Civic Centre we see today opened in 2008. It was built just east of the old offices. Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios designed it. Willmott Dixon built it with brick and glass. The cost was about £12.6 million. But even modern buildings face challenges. In October 2023, it was announced that the roof was leaking. It would need replacement.
The architecture of the Runnymede Civic Centre speaks volumes. The ground floor has large glass windows. This shows the building’s functions to the public. The first floor has alternating sections of clear and colored glass. Inside, a double-height space houses the library and help desks. A wide staircase leads to the upper floors. The council chamber is drum-shaped. Desks for councillors are arranged in three horseshoes. A skylight lights the chamber. When the council is in session, a red light shines from a lantern above. The upper floors house offices. The police control room is also located here. The design won a regional RIBA Award in 2009.
The Runnymede Civic Centre is more than bricks and glass. It’s a hub for local government. It’s a place for community services. It stands as a testament to Runnymede’s history and future. It shows how a building can reflect the needs of its residents.