Manchester Central Library

Manchester, UK - Civic

Revitalising heritage into a dynamic regional hub.

As part of the wider refurbishment of Manchester’s Town Hall complex, Manchester Central Library was one of the first publicly funded libraries in the country, designed as a civic statement, not as a visitor experience. The main driver for this project was to increase visitor numbers and create a regional hub for film, photographic and paper based archives and bring back key heritage spaces to the modern day.

Client
Manchester City Council
Location
Manchester, UK
Sector
Civic
Status
Complete 2014
Value
£40m
Area
16,000sqm

Transforming history with collaborative technologies.

The building was rather forbidding and confusing for visitors. In its day it had become tired, cluttered and no longer viable for the current role of libraries. To enable a high level of transformation, we worked closely with the conservation consultant (HOK) and the heritage contract manager (HPM), as well as utilising the BIM model to inspire refurbishment continuously through the architectural planning, design and construction stages.

3D rendering of the bisected library building
Photo taken from inside Manchester Central library showing curved walls and some of the dome above

Innovative adaptations in a contemporary library environment.

The existing book stacks were removed, which in turn meant taking out all the floors, and the insertion of new vertical circulation linking all levels. Clear, contemporary staircases and scenic lifts span the newly created floor apertures at each level, taking the visitor journey across multiple areas of the building. Working with the full commitment of Manchester City Council, we strived to push the boundaries of BIM for refurbishment. This gave vital insight for the client, from the outset and throughout the project.

Interior photo of library showing central island, people browse bookshelves in the background
Interior photo of lobby with stairs and glass lift

Balancing heritage and modern functionality for the future.

Our design, whilst restoring and preserving all that is precious about the original building made it work for today’s needs. Since reopening visitor numbers have doubled with a remarkable 5,000 visitors on its opening day and over 300,000 in the first three months.

Interior photo of library in use with sofas and check out screens
Interior photo of library showing curved walls with windows and wooden bookshelves
I can recommend Ryder as experts in their field.

Dave Carty

Head of Transformation Programme, Manchester City Council

Wood panelled room with large windows, dining table and inbuilt bookshelves
Interior photo of library showing large open space with seating
Photo of library interior showing central island, curved walls and bookcases

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