Manchester Metropolitan Library refurb threatens to exceed £165m budgeted cost before work has begun

Highly anticipated refurbishment of the Manchester Metropolitan Library is threatening to exceed its approved budget before works have commenced on the site.

This project was approved at an initial budget of £165m, in early 2024, when the institution confirmed that works would begin in Autumn and completed by 2028.

A freedom of information request seen by The Tab Manchester has revealed that the renovation project of Manchester Metropolitan Library has a current total budget cost of £164m, despite no clear signs of work beginning on the building.

The impressive plan was designed by architects Hawkins/Brown, and aimed to expand on the existing building by demolishing the sixth floor and creating a roof terrace on the fifth floor. A new, 13 storey tower will be built to the front of the building, following the removal of existing facilities.

Manchester Metropolitan did not confirm how this would affect the current operations of the university’s only library, though university literature promotes and encourages the use of the online system that allows students to access texts via a portal.

On Instagram, MMU Library notified students that it would be moving to a new location on Oxford Road in September 2024.

Emails between Manchester City Council and the university’s Estates, Facilities and Capital Development team have been shown to The Tab Manchester, revealing a contentious discussion of proposed changes to the project.

During August 2024, the university raised cost concerns to the council, later proposing amendments to the roof terrace, plant room, windows and facade of the new building.

The council noted that it had “significant concerns” about delays in the works, stating that “expectations and assurances regarding the deliverability of the design were given to the planning committee.”

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Issues were presented detailing the possible staining of the facade, to which the council affirmed that they were assured this would not be a problem during the pre-application stage.

Throughout the thread, the council emphasise that they intend to “preserve the original design as much as possible to ensure that you not only deliver upon your planning permission but we all get the highest quality scheme possible.”

This is not the first time Manchester Metropolitan has faced delays to proposed works. A renovation of All Saints Park was approved in 2021, but did not open until Autumn 2024.

A spokesperson for the university said: “Since announcing the granting of planning permission for the new library building back in February 2024, work has been undertaken to fully understand the costs involved in delivering the visionary design. The original design was developed prior to significant cost escalations within the construction sector – the result being a significant increase in the building costs.

“The refreshed vision and design brief has been agreed and Hawkins Brown, along with other members of the original design team, have commenced RIBA 2 designs. While precise timelines will continue to be developed and may change, we are planning for the new Library building to be open to students from September 2030.

“As a result of the proposed changes we are currently working through the details and any timescales for planning approval. We will communicate this when confirmed along with the project team who will take project forward. The design team remains largely unchanged with the same architect delivering the new scheme.”

Featured image via Instagram.