Historic Manchester library wins £453k grant for revamp

A historic library in Manchester has been awarded a £453,000 grant to transform its Grade II-listed building and preserve its book collection.

The Portico Library, which dates back to 1806, has been given the money by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The project aims to unite all three original floors of the building for the first time in more than 100 years.

During the development phase, local communities in Manchester will be invited to work on the project.

It will see the ground floor and basement transformed into a "northern bookshop" with educational activities, dining and exhibition areas and meeting spaces.

The upper floors will highlight the Manchester library's existing heritage, showcasing its unique book collection, manuscript archive and architecture.

Library chairman John Carpenter said the redevelopment will create an "accessible and sustainable space for arts, books, learning and history in the library".

He continued: "The news that the fund is supporting the library's bold scheme to open up and share its extraordinary heritage and collection to Manchester residents and visitors is a major cultural signal to Manchester, the North and the UK.

"This visionary project, years in the making, fulfils our mission of working with the many people in Manchester to explore, share, and celebrate their diverse stories and the city's literary and global heritage. Embracing creativity, collaboration and inclusivity, the project will unlock the Library's past to plan for the future."

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