The new library project for Torbay Council was part funded by the Big Lottery and resulted from extensive consultation with the Council, Stakeholders and the public. The building has also emerged from the Mayoral Vision to tackle the regeneration of Paignton and the surrounding area. The new Library has enabled Torbay to centralize a number of its public services and agencies including; community learning, Connections and a Community Police Unit. The building is contemporary in design with a strong visual impact, reflecting the internal functions and the historical use of the site, which was a former railway goods yard with numerous brick warehouses that had interesting industrial roof forms. North lights and chimney stacks assist with natural ventilation, providing good northern light for the library and southerly roof pitches for solar hot water heating. The building achieves a very good environmental BREEAM rating in terms of performance and materials. The Library has become a positive focus of the town and will clearly encourage wider regeneration that will reinforce the Mayor’s Vision to revive this part of the English Riviera.