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UK-based Cassidy + Ashton architects and Eric Wright Construction have been jointly awarded for their work on the former Bispham Library in the Best Building Refurbishment category at the annual Blackpool Civic Trust awards at the end of February 2013.

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Cassidy + Ashton architects and Eric Wright Construction have jointly transformed the former Bispham Library into a centre for adults with learning difficulties in Blackpool.

Now known as the New Langdale, the £1.1 million ($1.6 million) Bispham Library renovation includes an extra 320 square metre of space. The refurbished library now includes a range of facilities for adults with learning disabilities in the north of the town.

The centre now includes a sensory studio with tactile toys and dimmable lighting, interactive white boards and two large flexible spaces. Apart from that it also includes a kitchen designed for disabled people with multi-level breakfast bar and other accessible features.

The exterior of the new library features a material called Rimex, an iridescent stainless steel product that provides contrasting looks in different weather conditions.

Commissioned by Blackpool Council via the Local Education Partnership, the refurbishment has blended the features of the heritage building with modern facilities in the New Langdale.

The firms received the annual Blackpool Civic Trust awards at the end of February 2013 at the Winter Gardens Spanish Hall in Blackpool.