
HOGWARTS COMES TO SOUTH WIGSTON
LIBRARY REFURBISHMENT – PARKLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL – SOUTH WIGSTON
BRIEF
Wanting to refurbish their Library, Parkland Primary School contacted Index to submit design options. As a school accommodating students from Reception to Year 6, they wanted to create an exciting, fun and welcoming Library space to help to promote books and reading to all of their Students.
CHALLENGE
- Space – the Library is situated in an open, thoroughfare space outside classrooms.
- Ages – the new space needs to inspire children ranging in age from 4 to 11 years.
- Access – the new design needed to incorporate access not only to the surrounding classrooms, but also toilet facilities for Children and Adults.
- Durability – as the route used by a number of classrooms to access the Main Hall, footfall would be high.


SOLUTION
Following a meeting and discussions with the Senior Leadership Team, it was decided that a ‘Train Platform Theme’ was the preferred design option presented. To further entice and excite the children, Hogwarts and the old fashioned style of Kings Cross London were the inspiration used.
Laminated large format graphics applied to the main wall of the space provide the illusion of a train coming through a tunnel. Books are promoted in the windows giving inspiration to the children, but also providing privacy to the classrooms beyond. Classroom doors were transformed to ‘Carriage Doors’ to further enhance the illusion. False struts were added to the ceiling beams to create a Station Platform feel, with carefully placed signage, luggage trolley and owl to finish the look. Signage for the toilet facilities were also updated in keeping with the theme.
By situating the bookcases to one side of the area we were able to create a natural corridor to the space. This allowed easy access to the Main Hall, Toilets and surrounding Classrooms. Turning the bookcases away from the walkway ensured that books cannot be pulled from shelves and prevents them from littering the floor.
To finish the look and create an outside feel, brick effect wall paper was used on remaining walls.

Index worked with us as a school to develop, design and fit a vision for our new school library. They supported us and kept in close communication at every stage which made the process easy. Staff were professional at all times and worked tirelessly to ensure that the project was completed on time and to a high standard. We are really pleased with the finished library space and would highly recommend the company. Here are some of the comments from our Pupils….”
‘It’s amazing and wonderful – I love the Harry Potter theme’
‘It feels like people have taken the time to make something wonderful in a child’s eye’
‘I love it!’
‘Our new library space is a much more inviting, cosier and relaxing space’
Sarah Phillips – Assistant Headteacher