Historic library to open door on uncertain future
WHILE Stockport’s historic Central Library’s reopening is delayed as the easing of lockdown rules is put back, its long-term future is still to be decided.
The Grade-II listed Carnegie library on the A6 has served the town for more than 100 years and is a much-loved part of the town’s heritage.
But it has been closed since the beginning of the pandemic as bosses said it was too expensive to keep it open in a Covid-secure way.
Library services finally returned to the town centre in March, operating from the new One Stockport Hub at Merseyway. The council has long seen this as a ‘precursor’ to a £14m ‘cultural and museum experience’ at Adlington Walk, provisionally dubbed ‘StockRoom.’
Chiefs sparked controversy last September after indicating Central Library services would permanently move to the Future High Streets-funded StockRoom. But they quickly U-turned and promised residents would have a full say on any proposed changes.
Now a new council report has set out a three-stage public consultation for the future of both Central Library and StockRoom.
It describes Stockroom as a ‘hub for the whole community’ which could include a ‘21st century library,’ a performance space, a discovery centre and health services – among other uses.
Should people indicate they want a library at StockRoom, the public consultation would progress to a second stage on moving services from Central Library.
The paper notes that consideration would need to be given to the future of the building and ‘how best’ to retain its value to the community and economy ‘whilst also ensuring the necessary investment to preserve their heritage value.’
Work undertaken by property firm CBRE on behalf of the council indicates there is likely to be demand for leisure, hospitality and office use, although an investment around £2m would be needed to bring it up to scratch for long-term use.
However the final decision over its future will be made by the cabinet – and it is understood chiefs want it to remain open to the community and retain some kind of civic use.
Councillor David Meller, cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “We have an incredible opportunity to create something truly special within the heart of Stockport – and we want residents to help us do this.
“The overall StockRoom proposal does, I believe, not only continue our work in moving our town centre towards being a centre for communities, but create a hub where generations can enjoy culture, learning and much more besides in an accessible, highly modern and inviting environment, inspired by similar venues such as Chester’s Storyhouse.”
If people give their backing to services moving to StockRoom, plans for alternative uses of Central Library will be proposed and consulted on.
Coun Meller added: “We know how important the building is to Stockport, the affection people have for it and the desire for continued community access.
“Therefore, we’ll work towards putting these at the heart of any future proposals. As part of ensuring the building’s future, we are also proposing a significant investment in the Central Library building to support any potential future use.”
A third and final phase of the consultation will involve consulting residents on final proposals going to cabinet in December.
Coun Meller said: “The proposed three phases of engagement are there to get as much detailed feedback and comment from residents and groups as possible before any final decisions are made.
Coun Meller adds that the £14.5m secured through the government’s Future High Streets Fund is essential for Stockport’s Covid recovery ‘but continuing with the work we’re doing throughout the town centre and ensuring it is relevant for future generations.’
Public engagement will begin on Monday, July 5 and involve a mixture online and Covid-safe inperson consultations as well as input from focus groups. Further details will appear here: https://www. stockport.gov.uk/consultations.