Manchester Met’s All Saints Library set to be completely demolished

Manchester Metropolitan University have confirmed that All Saints Library will be completely demolished to make way for a new library space.

The initial plans for the site were due to build on existing structures, expanding the space into an impressive 13 storey space designed by Hawkins Brown.

Scaled back plans have emerged after the design became unviable, though the plans are yet to pass through public consultation phases.

The university have stated that consultations will begin in October, and demolition surveyors have been spotted around the area in the past week.

When questioned on what prompted the plans to be deemed unviable, Manchester Metropolitan said that: “The original design for the new library was developed prior to significant cost escalations within the construction sector – the result being a significant increase in the building costs, which has led to a refreshed vision and design brief. The plan was always to demolish the existing All Saints Building to make way for a modern design that serves the needs of our students.”

A check on Manchester Council’s planning portal (reference 138424/FO/2023) confirms that initial proposals included a “part demolition and redevelopment of existing library building to form new library”. These initial demolition works were due to commence in autumn 2024.

While visuals for the new building are yet to be released, initial proposals submitted to the council state that cut back plans are for a nine storey site. Though the university has said that: “the height of the building will be confirmed following the consultation and when we submit our planning application.”

The library was given a prospective finish date of 2028, which has now been pushed back to 2030.

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In the meantime, all resources have been moved to the John Dalton building on Oxford Road. Students are able to access materials via the online portal, but access to physical materials has been restricted.

Currently students are being asked to request texts via the MMU Library portal, in a ‘Click and Collect’ system. Browsing has been restricted, as books are no longer on display in the main library.

The relocated library is still operating a 24/7 opening service, though this is limited to the first floor of the building only.

A Manchester Metropolitan University spokesperson said: “The refreshed vision and design of our new Library will provide a vibrant learning, research, and collaboration hub at the heart of our campus, fostering creativity and engagement for future generations.”

 “We’re excited to share that Hawkins Brown, working alongside our dedicated original design team, are developing enhanced designs that better serve our students’ evolving needs. Our target opening date remains September 2030.”

“The refinements to our original plans reflect our commitment to delivering the very best learning environment for our students. We’ll be engaging extensively with our community throughout this process to ensure the final design perfectly captures what our students need to thrive.”