The work is being done to improve accessibility, celebrate northern voices and promote northern culture
The proposed relocation of the main entrance onto Mosley Street(Image: Purcell Architecture)
One of Manchester’s historic hidden gems has secured more than £6 million in funding to complete “a once-in-a-generation” transformation in a triumph for Northern publishing.
The Portico Library on Mosley Street, now 220-years-old, is set to undergo the ground-breaking restoration, which will see the library become “as accessible and as dynamic” as possible, from late spring in 2028.
It comes as the library, which houses 25,000 historic books, has been granted the funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help deliver the £12 million Portico Reunited campaign, which will bring the ground floor and basement back into library use and introduce step free access throughout.
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Dr Thom Keep, Librarian and CEO of The Portico Library, said: “This is a landmark moment in the Portico’s rich and complex history, and a huge achievement for our staff, trustees, volunteers, and partners. Their imagination, care and persistence have brought us to this point. Thanks to National Lottery players, we can reunite this extraordinary building and make room for people to discover, learn and create together.
“We have listened to thousands of people about what the Portico could become, and their ideas and experiences have helped shape these plans. Our ambition is a library that belongs to the whole city: a place to discover remarkable collections, question the stories we have inherited, and create new possibilities together.
“Books and stories help us see the world through other people’s eyes, building understanding and empathy. Whether you come to read, share food, join a conversation or simply enjoy a moment of calm, we want you to feel that the Portico is yours too.”
As part of the restoration, there will be a new bookshop in the library to celebrate Northern writers and publishers, as well as new exhibition areas and new spaces for school workshops and learning activities.
The library will also provide greater access to its impressive 25,000 historic books and improve its exhibition spaces.
Lucy Powell, Secretary of State for Education and MP for Manchester Central, said: “For more than two centuries, the Portico Library has stood at the heart of Manchester as a home for books, learning and new ideas. This support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reunite one of our city’s great historic buildings, open it fully to everyone and secure its remarkable collections for the future.
“I have been proud to champion Portico Reunited and pay tribute to the staff, trustees, volunteers and partners whose extraordinary ambition and persistence have brought the project to this point.”
Susie Diggines, Chair of Trustees of the Portico Library, said: “Today is a historic marker for the delivery of the Portico Reunited Project which will ensure a landmark institution is transformed into a heritage centre delivering exhibitions, research facilities for books and archives – continuance of the oldest lunch venue in Manchester.
“Crucially, it will ignite opportunities for Northern writers, readers, thinkers and creators for generations to come. Our sincere thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
“We look forward to welcoming all to a Portico Library and Newsroom that represents the best of Manchester’s past and future.”
The building is expected to close for construction in late spring 2028 and open in early March 2030.
During construction, its work will continue through Porti-Go!, bringing collections, conversations and creative activities into temporary spaces, community settings and online. Following reopening, the transformed library is expected to welcome around 95,000 visitors each year.
