Stockport’s historic central library is expected to reopen as long as the clearance restrictions are lifted on June 21 – but its long-term future has yet to be decided.
The Grade II listed Carnegie Library on the A6 has served the city for more than 100 years and is a popular part of the city’s heritage.
But it’s been closed since the pandemic started as bosses said it was too expensive to keep open in a Covid-safe way.
In March, library services finally returned to the city center, operated from the new One Stockport Hub in Merseyway. The Council has long viewed this as a “precursor” to a £ 14 million “culture and museum experience” on Adlington Walk, tentatively referred to as the “StockRoom”.
Chiefs sparked controversy last September after hinting that the central library’s services would be permanently relocated to the Future High Streets-funded StockRoom. But they quickly turned back and promised residents that they would have a full say in any proposed changes.
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Now a new Council report has set out a three-stage public consultation on the future of the Central Library and the Stockroom.
It describes Stockroom as a “community hub” that could include a “21st century library,” performance room, discovery center, and health services, among other things.
Should people indicate that they want a library on StockRoom, the public consultation would move to a second phase on moving services from the central library.
The paper suggests that the future of the building and the “how best” would need to be considered in order to maintain its value to the community and economy, “while at the same time securing the investments necessary to maintain its historical value”.
Work carried out by real estate firm CBRE on behalf of the council suggests there is likely a demand for recreational, hospitality and office use, although it would require an investment of around £ 2 million to whip them up for long term use .
However, the final decision about its future will be made by the cabinet – and it is understood that the chiefs will keep it open to the community and maintain some kind of civic use.
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On the subject of matching items
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On the subject of matching items
Councilor David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, said, “We have an incredible opportunity to create something really special in the heart of Stockport – and we want residents to help us do it.
“The overall StockRoom proposal, in my opinion, not only continues our work to make our city center a hub for communities, but creates a hub where generations can enjoy culture, learning and more in an accessible, cutting-edge and welcoming environment , inspired by similar venues like Chester’s Storyhouse. “
He added, “The feedback and experience of operating the One Stockport Hub, which acted as a ‘mini-trial’ for StockRoom and temporarily operates library services while the existing central library was closed due to COVID, will be invaluable to the species and the way we operate.
“But most importantly, residents and groups make sure to tell us what they think of our StockRoom proposal before we move on.”
If people support the move to StockRoom, plans for an alternative use of the central library will be suggested and consulted.
This is what Stockport Hub will look like
(Image: Stockport Council)
Coun Meller added, “We understand the importance of the building to Stockport, the affection of the people for it and the desire for wider access to the community.
“That is why we will work to put this at the center of all future proposals. As part of securing the future of the building, we also propose a substantial investment in the central library building to support possible future use. “
In a third and final phase of the consultation, residents will be asked about the final proposals that will go to the cabinet in December.
Coun Meller said, “The proposed three phases of engagement are to get as much detailed feedback and comments as possible from residents and groups before making final decisions.”
Coun Meller adds that the £ 14.5 million raised by the government’s Future High Streets Fund is essential to Stockport’s recovery from Covid, “but continues and secures the work we are doing across the city center that it is relevant for future generations ”.
“I really hope that we can all work together on our overall ‘pitch’, which has received significant government support through the funding,” he said.
“We must remember that the funding was given on the basis of the original StockRoom proposal, but that doesn’t mean it still can’t be shaped by what residents, groups and others have to say.
“This is a really exciting opportunity and I really hope we can seize it together.”
The public engagement begins on Monday 5th July and includes a mix of online and Covid-safe face-to-face consultations and contributions from focus groups.
More details will appear here: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/consultations
