DOMINION CENTRE
With an open-plan
layout, enticing
entrance and a
modern, new
library fit for the
21st Century, the
dramatically improved
Dominion Centre at
the heart of Southall is
preparing to reopen.
Adam Shortman
found out more.
A new dominion
T
he Dominion Centre was
constructed in the 1970s
and has provided a haven
for arts and educational
activities in the area for many years.
However, when it began to look a
little tired and the number of visitors
started to dwindle, Ealing Council
decided to look at ways to inject a
new lease of life into the centre, in
partnership with the Indian Workers’
Association, which owns the building.
After consultation took place, work
started last year.
By enlarging the building, with
front and rear extensions, it was
possible to bring new services on to
the site – including the library. Lots of
the rest of the centre was refurbished,
including the reception area, and it
has now reopened to the public.
The new Dominion Centre, and
34
around ealing
Autumn 2014
all it offers, is central to the wider
regeneration work taking place in the
town as part of the Southall Big Plan.
NEW LIBRARY AND MORE
One of the biggest changes has been
the relocation of the Southall Library
into the centre. The new library is
housed in a freshly built rear extension,
designed to let in natural light and
decorated with bright furnishings.
Modern features include: Selfservice units to check-out and return
items; ‘quick pick/top title’ stock for
people to browse and borrow from,
even when the main library is closed;
charger plugs for laptop use; free
Wi-Fi throughout the centre ; as well
as a study space that overlooks a
redesigned forecourt.
In the main hall, a complete
renovation has been completed,