Following a one-year transformation project, the crowds returned to the Grade II listed Chorlton Library on Saturday 5 April to celebrate the grand reopening of the main library building, and were sui
The iconic building in the heart of Chorlton has been lovingly refurbished unveiling long-hidden architectural treasures including the reveal of the stunning dome in the library entrance not seen since the 1970s, flooding the library with natural light.
The Lord Mayor, Councillor Paul Andrews and the Lady Mayoress joined Cllr John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure, contractors, designers, staff and lots of local residents and children to mark the historic day.
They were treated to a fun-filled event, including a choir singing in the newly unveiled balcony around the atrium of the library. They also had the chance to check out the modern facilities and admire the restoration work including the original tiles and historic lettering which adorned key areas of the library which have been uncovered and carefully preserved and restored.
As Manchester journeys towards becoming a UNICEF recognised Child Friendly City and being the best place possible to grow up in, children and the needs of young readers have been very much also at the heart of the library renovations – with a new dedicated children’s library space in the building, a computer suite for research and homework tasks, and even a play climbing frame to keep tiny tots active once they’ve chosen their library books to take home with them.
Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure said:
“This was a fantastic day for everyone involved. The sun shone, the library looked wonderful, residents were thrilled to have this historic library open for business and were delighted by the care and attention and detailed work in the restoration of this much-loved local library. I’d like to thank everyone who played a part in the journey to get us here.”
Alyson Seddon, Construction Director at Equans who managed the project said:
“Chorlton library is a beloved landmark in the local community, and we are incredibly proud of our role in restoring it to its former glory. We’re excited to see the community benefit from their renewed access to this historically significant space, and making the most of its modernised facilities which will meet the needs of today’s users whilst having preserved the library’s timeless charm.”
Daniela Hislop, CEO, The Design Concept said:
“It was our honour to be a part of this significant restoration. We worked closely with the amazing team at Manchester Libraries to seamlessly blend the old and the new and the result is a brilliant example of how classic and contemporary design can enrich each other.
We also loved adding a touch of magic to the history, transforming the children’s area into a jungle-themed wonderland with a bespoke tree house and sensory features designed to inspire young readers. The library’s redesigned spaces offer a calm, welcoming atmosphere with modern amenities, including a sleek digital zone. This refurbishment beautifully marries the library’s historical significance with its role as a vibrant community hub, celebrating both heritage and imagination.“
Visitors to the library have also heaped praise on the refurbishment leaving comments such as :
” I think the library is fantastic” ;
“Such a sympathetic refurbishment. The building looks beautiful.” ;
“Stunning, I love how light it feels. The playhouse is a wonderful idea, I can’t wait to bring my daughter.”
“What a difference. Stylish, colourful, and so light! Terrific job, well done.”
“It is a fantastic community space. Wonderful.”
Alongside the internal restoration work, the exterior stonework and windows have been repaired and electrical and mechanical systems renewed, to ensure the building contributes to lower carbon emissions to help the council meet its target of becoming zero carbon by 2038.
The second phase of the refurbishment to enhance the flexible community and new meeting spaces within the existing structure at the building’s rear will now start and will be ready later in the year.
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