First images: Chorlton Library to reopen after year-long restoration

One of Manchester’s most historic libraries, Chorlton Library, is set to reopen its doors to the public and welcome visitors again following a year-long refurbishment.

An iconic building in the heart of Chorlton, this Grade II listed library has gone through a complete transformation to enhance the existing structure and refurbish the building. This process has unveiled long-hidden architectural treasures at the same time as upgrading facilities, to ensure it stays relevant for the next 100 years.

The library, opened in 1914, and was a gift from the famous Scottish- American benefactor Andrew Carnegie to the city of Manchester. It was designed by the City Architect, Henry Price – who also designed Didsbury Library.

The centrepiece of this transformation has been the unveiling of the stunning dome in the library entrance along with the mezzanine gallery, which has been concealed for decades, and which allows natural light to flood the entrance space below.

During the restoration work, original tiles and historic lettering which adorned key areas of the library were uncovered and carefully preserved and restored, giving a glimpse into the building’s rich past.

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.

With internal walls removed and the library areas reconfigured, visitors will also be able to appreciate the original octagonal interior of the atrium space, and the blend of both heritage and contemporary design within the main library.

Once the main library reopens, work can begin on the next stage of the refurbishment to enhance the flexible community and new meeting spaces within the existing structure at the building's rear. This will open later in the year.

Chorlton Library opens to the public on Tuesday 1 April.
An official launch event and fun day will take place on Saturday 5 August.

A series of events will be taking place throughout the week.

Chorlton Library closed for refurbishment on 24 March 2024.

Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure said:
“We are thrilled to welcome the community back to this much-loved library. It is the last of our libraries to undergo a full refurbishment as part of our Library renewal programme. Our refurbishment has not only respected the building's history but brought it up to date, ensuring it can serve the local community in the future, while meeting our sustainability plans and carbon neutral targets.

“Revealing the dome and other hidden gems make this reopening even more special, and we can't wait to share it with the local community who we know love it as much as we do.”