Weybridge Multi-Service Hub

Anderson Acoustics was appointed by Neilcott Construction Ltd to provide acoustic design support for the refurbishment and change of use of Weybridge Library into a multi-service community hub, delivered on behalf of Surrey County Council. The development includes a public library, business hub, youth support spaces, a multi-use hall, meeting rooms and recording studios, together with new rooftop building services plant. 

Our appointment began with a review of the Stage 3 acoustic design prepared by others, and continued through the detailed Stage 4 design and a noise impact assessment to support the discharge of planning conditions relating to noise. Working as part of the wider project team, our role was to review the design against the agreed acoustic criteria and to provide clear, practical recommendations to help the design progress. 

The Challenge

The scheme combines noise-sensitive uses with higher-activity community spaces within an existing, retained building. The design needed to control sound transmission between these spaces, alongside careful management of noise from new rooftop plant located close to neighbouring residential properties. 

Planning conditions required plant noise to be assessed in accordance with BS 4142, with rating levels at the nearest noise-sensitive receptors not exceeding the existing representative background sound level by more than +5 dB. Internally, the design had to meet the acoustic performance standards set at Stage 3 by others, known as the Employer’s Requirements. 

Our Approach

We began by reviewing the Stage 3 acoustic design prepared by others, to confirm the established criteria and to identify the acoustic risks and opportunities carried into Stage 4. 

The detailed Stage 4 review then assessed the architectural, mechanical and electrical design information. This covered internal sound insulation, doorsets, glazing, junction detailing and service penetrations, alongside indoor ambient noise levels and reverberation times against the agreed criteria. 

External plant noise was assessed using manufacturer sound power data and 3D acoustic modelling in CadnaA. Site-specific design targets were derived from background sound levels measured by others, with predictions carried out in accordance with BS 4142 and ISO 9613-2.

The Solution

Internal acoustic performance was addressed through specific recommendations on partition build-ups, acoustically rated doorsets and construction detailing to control flanking transmission. Some areas carried a higher acoustic risk, such as retained columns and external walls or rooms sitting next to one another, and here we identified targeted measures to maintain the required sound insulation. 

Building services noise was managed through guidance on attenuator selection, crosstalk control and vibration isolation, together with room-side noise limits for the M&E design to work to. Reverberation control was achieved through appropriate ceiling absorption and, where required, supplementary acoustic panels within sensitive spaces such as the studios and meeting rooms. 

Externally, rooftop plant noise was controlled through coordinated plant selection, layout and the provision of a solid acoustic screen around the roof-level VRF units. Modelling confirmed that predicted plant noise rating levels would remain within the relevant daytime and evening limits at all assessed receptors. 

The Outcome

The assessment confirmed compliance with the planning condition at all five nearby noise-sensitive receptors, with predicted plant noise classified as a low impact under BS 4142. On this basis, no further mitigation was required and the relevant planning conditions could be discharged. 

The Stage 4 review also confirmed that the internal acoustic design could achieve the specified sound insulation, indoor ambient noise and reverberation criteria, subject to the recommended details being carried through into construction. 

Conclusion

This project reflects our role as part of the wider project team, providing clear, dependable acoustic advice at a critical stage of design. Through detailed assessment and practical recommendations, we supported both neighbouring amenity and the effective use of a complex, multi-use community building.