Gateway

I am going to pass on the too frequent use of the word "Gateway" these days.

This is the Swinton Gateway - it opened last week and is the fifth such in Salford. It houses a library (which has moved from the "Lancastrian Hall" nearby), some council services, and from the autumn a health clinic will also be moving in.

Originally I think it was used by an insurance company. Then it became "Crompton House", occupied by the council's environment directorate. With a completely new glass front, this is its third life. It will not win the Stirling prize, but for a limited budget it's fine.

All it needs now is a sign saying what it is. Despite that, walking in at lunchtime it was apparent that plenty of people had found it. People are attached to their local library.