Planning permission has been granted for a new, state-of-the-art library at Manchester Metropolitan University – and it looks pretty impressive with its unique and funky zig-zag exterior design. Plans were announced for the new library in November 2023, ahead of Manchester Metropolitan’s 200th birthday and now the city council has approved the project.
The plans will see the current library at All Saints on Oxford Road replaced with a modern and dynamic learning environment. The eye-catching new building will feature digitally enabled teaching and research facilities to enhance students’ data science and analytical skills and flexible break-out spaces to support collaboration and nurture ideas.
The new Manchester Met library will also house the University’s Special Collection Museum and the Manchester Poetry Library – the North West’s first public poetry library, plus a new gallery and event spaces that public audiences will be invited to engage with.
Architects Hawkins\Brown and Schmidt Hammer Lassen were commissioned to design the new iconic building and demolition works are expected to begin on site in the Autumn of 2024. Construction is due to complete in spring 2028, with the library ready for the start of the 2028/29 Academic year.
According to Hawkins\Brown, “the design redefines the library concept, taking the form of a ‘tower and tail’ cut with bold geometric slices; clear and vibrant glazed slots hint at the diversity of activities on offer within, softened by circular-coloured lenses”. The tower overlooks the Mancunian Way and visitors will be able to enter via All Saints Park.
Andrew Fallon, Director of Estates, Facilities and Capital Development at Manchester Metropolitan, said: “We have reached a significant milestone today with the approval of plans for our new Library by Manchester City Council. This project reinforces Manchester Metropolitan University’s commitment to providing outstanding academic and student experiences. Our continued campus investment makes this possible, providing a world-class, state-of-the-art, digitally enabled estate fit for the 21st century.
“The new Library will be a striking addition to our estate and the Oxford Road skyline, serving as an iconic All Saints architectural gateway to our University. Once built, it will provide a vibrant learning, research, and collaboration hub, empowering our University community and fostering creativity and engagement for future generations.”