Manchester’s Portico Library secures planning consent
The Portico Library, located in the heart of Manchester, has received planning permission for the £11m refurbishment of the Grade II*-listed building.
Purcell was appointed in 2024 to deliver The Portico Library’s “Portico Reunited” transformation, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The project aims to reunite, renovate, and reimagine the library by re-integrating the basement and ground floors with the library, making it fully accessible and enhancing the energy performance of the building.
The 219-year-old venue, will undergo reconfiguration of the entrance portico, removing a section of steps to form a step-free, welcoming and inclusive entrance for all library users.
The refurbished ground floor, which is currently leased to a commercial tenant, will include learning spaces, innovative exhibition integration, a café/bar, and a Northern Bookshop to support with revenue for the Portico Library, which is a registered charity.
At basement level, it is proposed to house dedicated archive and research facilities, safeguarding thousands of rare books and manuscripts currently housed in sub-optimal attic spaces. The programme will also introduce a kitchen space, sanctuary/prayer space, changing places and accessible toilets, storage and staff office facilities at basement level.
– Tom Brigden, Partner, Purcell
