Hope Castle Gate Lodge is now the new home of Castleblayney Library. Located on Market Square, the building is one of two gate lodges, built in the 1870’s to frame the entrance to the Hope Castle Estate. The buildings form an important ensemble within the town and create a fine formal gateway to the estate.
Renovation and conservation works commenced to Gate Lodge 2 in October 2020, by when the integrity of the remaining structure was perilous. Initial works focused on conserving the surviving fabric. In addition to the physical renewal of the historic building a further aspiration of the project was to transform the perception of the building from the streetscape. The formality of the existing gate lodge is juxtaposed by the addition of the open and transparent extension. This space primarily accommodates the children’s library, however bookshelves can be moved out of the way and the space used as a performance space and a multi-purpose community space. The design intent was to create a colourful, active and engaging interface with the public realm.
The layout of the proposed library was configured across an undulating site, with services accommodated across a number of levels within the existing building. The adult collections, are at street level, a multi-function community space at first floor level and meeting spaces and ancillary accommodation are at lower ground floor level. A new extension is composed as a contemporary addition, contrasting with the formality of the existing building. It accomodates the children’s collection at the lower ground floor level and quiet space and meeting rooms at street level. The geometric form, with planar roof profiles is a readable modern intervention. The architectural language is distinctive, maximising natural light and conveying openness and activity to the public. The extension is deliberately set back and at a lower level than the Gate Lodge, respectful of the original building, maintaining its place of prominence on the street without detracting from the setting.
