Portico Library wins £454k to 'transform' historic space

The Portico Library has won almost £454,000 through a development grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to transform its historic building in the heart of Manchester. 

It will enable The Portico to develop detailed plans to transform the library and secure its future by creating an accessible and sustainable space for arts, books, learning and history.

The Portico was established in 1806 as a ground-breaking newsroom and library, and will now work with experts and a range of community stakeholders to trial plans for the £7m capital development project that will transform the building and preserve the historic book collection.

The development grant – worth £453,964 – will contribute to the production of environmentally sustainable architectural plans, mapping out how the library can reunite all three original floors of the Grade II listed building for the first time in more than 100 years.

During the development phase, which will start immediately, the library will invite local communities to work with them on testing how to transform the ground floor and basement into an open and welcoming area with dining and exhibition areas, a ‘Northern Bookshop’, educational activities, a collections-care lab, plus flexible and high-quality event and meeting spaces.

The upper floors of the building, which is built in the style of a Greek temple, will conserve and enhance the existing heritage, showcasing the unique book collection, manuscript archive and architecture. The technical access requirements, such as a lift, will be supported by creative consultation to establish how best to make the building fully accessible.

The Portico said: “At a time of rapid expansion of information dissemination (and disinformation), the Portico looks to revitalise itself as a creative space that explores its complex history while learning from shared knowledge and lived experience” 

John Carpenter, the library’s chair, said: “The news that The National Lottery Heritage Fund is supporting the Portico Library’s bold scheme to open up and share its extraordinary heritage and collection, to Manchester residents and visitors, is a major cultural signal to Manchester, the North and the UK. 

“This visionary project, years in the making, fulfils our mission of working with the many people in Manchester to explore, share and celebrate their diverse stories and the city’s literary and global heritage. Embracing creativity, collaboration and inclusivity, the project will unlock the Library’s past to plan for the future. We would like to thank the National Lottery players who have made it possible to realise our vision.”

The Portico will be embarking on a range of fundraising activities to support the plans, for more information visit theportico.org.uk/support-us.