Stockport Council has confirmed it will proceed with relocating library services from Central Library to a new 21st Century facility, Stockroom, in the Merseyway Shopping Centre.
Stockport Council’s Cabinet confirmed the decision during a meeting on 1st February, approving the £14.5 million learning and discovery hub that has been funded from the government’s Future High Streets Fund. The Cabinet also resolved to move library services from Central Library into the heart of the town centre in line with the recommendations of an extensive public consultation. The move of services it is hoped will help reverse a long-term decline in book borrowing by moving library services closer to the main retail district where there is higher footfall, while also bringing new use to unused retail space in the shopping precinct.
The public consultation demonstrated significant fondness for the existing library building, and Stockport Council have confirmed that it will remain publicly accessible. The Cabinet meeting also confirmed the establishment of a cross-party working group on Stockport Council that will develop proposals for the Central Library building. Initial ideas include relocating the Continuing Education Service as well as retaining a limited library offer. Recommendations of the working group are expected later this year.
In a statement on the decision published on the Stockport Council website, Leader of Stockport Council, Cllr Elise Wilson said:
“This is a game changing opportunity to spend £14.5m of government money improving our town centre with new public facilities, breathing new life into vacant retail which will attract thousands of much needed visitors back to Stockport town centre. I am pleased that we can now move forward and deliver this fantastic community hub which will benefit local people for generations to come.
“We recognise the affection for Central Library that many have expressed. As well as having clearly pledged to safeguard the future of this historic building, the newly established cross-party working group will ensure its long-term future is protected. We already have a track record of restoring and preserving historic buildings, with more than a £7m investment in the Underbanks and over £500,000 in the Town Hall.
“After consulting widely with a number of different groups such as the VCSE sector and disability groups, it is evident that there is a real need for a modern, fully accessible space in a central location. As a council we are passionate about inclusivity and the facilities on offer in Stockroom will cater for everyone. That to me, shows real progress and I am excited about the possibilities that this will bring for many people. We want to create a truly inclusive environment that can be used safely, easily and with dignity by all residents.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to improve our town centre with new public facilities to support our growing population and we need to grasp it with both hands and now get on with bringing these ambitious plans to life.”
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