The building is sited in a new landscape that engages the varying characteristics of adjoining public spaces, Haigh Terrace, The Metals, The Bowling Green, the Pond and the gardens of the Hotel. The broader context encompasses the sea, the harbour and the town. The proposed building defines three distinct domains, the first being an exciting public park and civic space, the second being an informal urban square at Haigh Terrace with its entrance to the library and the third a quieter sheltered space defined by its relationship to the pond and tree lined site perimeter.

This strategy separates the cultural and library elements allowing the building form a boundary to a civic space which includes the existing Bowling Green. This space houses the entrance to the cultural centre and is sheltered from predominantly south westerly winds by the building. The library is located above the cultural centre with direct access at first floor level from Haigh Terrace and importantly with close connections to the town centre.

The Bowling Green and new covered area over the rail line provide the new civic space. With direct access to the cultural centre this space is expected to both facilitate major outdoor cultural events and provide a varied public space with elevated views of the harbour and waterfront. To enhance this civic space the choice of dark limestone cladding for the ground floor elevation is designed to absorb late evening westerly sun. The heat will be stored in the stone and slowly released as the air temperatures drop with night approaching. This will create a micro climate in the space to encourage people to linger.