'The Nest': New library coming to infamous Thamesmead estate

Rising up next to the banks of Southmere Lake, the buildings shell is well underway and is expected to be completed in Spring 2021, with the interior and furnishings to be finished in early 2022.

The bold, eye-catching building design takes inspiration from the swan nests that can be found on the banks of the lake.

The Next, a new Bexley Council library coming to Thamesmead.

Rising from Erith marshes in the late 1960s, Thamesmead and the Tavy Bridge area was billed as a London's 'town of the future.'

Filled with harsh concrete terraces and elevated walkways by Southmere Lake, the brutalist architecture in south east London received attention worldwide.

The Tavy Bridge area, where the new library is being built, then became an iconic setting for Stanley Kubrick's film A Clockwork Orange, plus a number of tv shows (Misfits) and music videos (A$AP Rockey and Skepta).

Southmere Lake - Anders Adermark

A number of elements have since disappeared or been demolished, having become unsafe or seen as a symbol of urban decay.

As part of the new library development, the London Borough of Bexley has partnered with Arts Council England, Peabody Trust and Bow Arts to form The Creative Knowledge Project.

This project is led by local arts organisations and artists to empower existing communities in Thamesmead to shape the future of the building.

The Nest, a new Bexley Council library coming to Thamesmead.

Fine art makers Rima & McRae who specialise in bespoke interior finishes, will work with local schools to create an inspirational architectural feature to be installed within the library.

Bow Arts has commissioned Dunya Kalantery as an artist in residence, to explore future uses and service developments with the local community.