Sidcup Storyteller, Bexley

The bold new red-brick building sits at a crossroads and responds to the massing and materiality of the high street to create a ‘tower’ on the corner. The architect has dealt creatively with the change from ‘civic’ on the high street to residential on the side road through a curved geometry that celebrates the entrance and then follows the back of the pavement as it rises to the residential buildings beyond. 

Inside the building, this curve creates the landing of the stair that rises from the ground to the cinemas on the second floor. The main signage is a contemporary response to the embossed signage of Victorian civic buildings.

Internally, the ground floor is a sequence of tall volumes with an exposed concrete structure divided by smaller timber-lined foyers that accommodate the secondary functions. The library's desk has been located deep in the its plan to encourage visitors into the space. 

The narrow, linear building results in excellent-quality natural light streaming into the deepest part of the library. The views into and from the building are well considered. The café’s big wall of glass to the street welcomes visitors. Large picture windows on stair landings or looking out from the children’s library towards the upper pavement level allow you to watch the world go by. 

A strong emphasis on reuse resulted in furniture from the old library being repurposed in the new building. This is an accomplished building that is civic, approachable and welcoming. 

See the rest of the 2025 RIBA London winners here. And all our RIBA UK Award winners here.

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RIBA Regional Awards 2025 sponsored by Autodesk, EH Smith, Equitone and VELUX