Leader of Stockport Council, Cllr Mark Hunter, has confirmed that library services will continue to be offered from Stockport’s Central Library to ensure continued public access to the historic building.
Cllr Hunter confirmed the decision during a meeting of the Full Council on 14th July, setting out preferred proposals for the future of the building. The town centre library will continue to offer IT access and a limited book borrowing offer that will complement the council’s adult education service, which is also set to relocate from Hardman Street to the historic Grade II listed building on Wellington Road South. The library will also offer the Open+ service to allow access to facilities outside of staffed opening times.
The future of the library had come under scrutiny following the reveal of plans for Stockroom, a £14.5 million hub in the Merseyway Shopping Centre that will house a much larger library offer and community cultural hub in a more prominent location in the town centre. Whilst many consultation respondents were very positive about the opportunities offered by Stockroom, there were concerns that the historic building could no longer be enjoyed by local residents.
Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said:
“This decision will ensure residents can continue to enjoy access to this historic building, with improved facilities and opening hours. Our Adult Education Service are a much-valued resource and continuing the library service will inspire service users to make use of the facilities and strengthen their offer.”
Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet member for Highways, Parks and Leisure Services, said:
“We heard last year from residents who felt that the Central Library Building should continue to be used for the purpose it was originally designed for. The library services that will be retained within the Central Library will cater for all ages enabling residents to continue to enjoy reading, study and accessing online resources in this beautiful space.”
The existing proposals for the £14.5 million Future High Streets Fund investment in Stockroom will see it house a new archives and heritage library, safeguarding the future of this important heritage resource, in modern surroundings. More information on Stockroom will be made available in the coming months.
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