Virtual Tour - arcade

A key feature of the History Centre building is the arcade / pergola running along the front or south side.

The central part of this area, the arcade, is fully glazed and will house a cafe and shop, as well as displays and exhibitions. It will provide a light airy space for people to meet, relax and find out about the resources and activities of the Centre. This space will also be used for a variety of special events. Toilets and secure lockers for users of the Centre are situated in the arcade, behind the Welcome Desk.

Canopy
Either side of the arcade is a canopy/pergola, a sheltered open-air space for people waiting for the builidng to open, or meeting in front of the building. There will also be bike racks here - sheltered from the rain.

The arcade and pergola structure will be made of laminated timber beams, covered with three-layer inflated ETFE cushions. (The Eden Project in Cornwall uses the same ETFE material) The arcade will have glazed walls, the pergola will be open-sided.