People sing praises of new Arc that has reopened in Winchester after £715,000 refurbishment

Students, grandparents, parents and children spent their February half-term exploring the new and improved library in Jewry Street, which went under a £715,000 refurbishment this year.

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The entrance features a seating area with the library on the outskirts of the building and a large blue screen steals your attention with "What's on today" posted at the top. Extra seating, a reception and a children's play area can all be found on the first floor, with a quiet, cosy area to study, a gallery and a library upstairs.

King's School students Ava Duke, 15, Martha Harris, 15 and Grace Tugwell, 16 visited The Arc to do some quiet studying. Martha said: "It's nice. It seems more open. It feels bigger and less claustrophobic now. It's more closed off upstairs so it's easier to study."

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The ARC officially opened its doors Friday, February 18 and features a new cafe area, but unfortunately didn't have the opening they were hoping for, with people advised to stay at home due to Storm Eunice.

Jolie Kan from Winchester visited The Arc with her two sons Bandon and Aiden. She said: "This is the first time that I've come here. It's really nice, although the area for children could be a bit bigger. It's a bit too small for the children."

Cleaner, James Elsworthy, 42 from Winchester visited the Arc to see how it had improved. He said: "It's nice. I like it. I had a coffee at the cafe yesterday and it was really nice. I like the screens but I'd love it if they were touch screen. I think there's a big improvement and there's more space. I think the development will make more people come here."

Further additions to The ARC include a brand new Digital Lab, which features iMacs enabling access to the Adobe Suite and other design software. A programme of workshops for those looking to brush up on their skills or develop their existing skills further starts at the beginning of March, and includes sessions on Adobe Photoshop, digital marketing for small businesses and podcasting, among others.

Students Will Frost, Emilia Frost, Ella Frost and Ana Sofia Narvaez-Paliza enjoyed their morning at the library. Will said: "I haven't been here before the refurbishment but it's nice. It's really nice"

The ARC is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm and 11.30am-5.00pm on Sunday

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