Controversial Library Walk link set for approval

COUNCILLORS in Manchester have been advised to approve the construction of a glass link between the Central Library and the Town Hall Extension, despite widespread opposition.

The work would mean blocking the curved Library Walk which runs from Mount Street to St Peter’s Square. Gates would also be put up at the Mount Street end which would be closed after 10pm.

The city council says the link, estimated to cost £3.5m, would provide a joint entrance to both the Town Hall building and the library, and make it easier for people to move between the two buildings which will offer shared services as part of a multi-million pound refurbishment. However, there will also an underground link.

But 127 letters of objection have been sent to the council, including representations from the Manchester Women’s Design Group, The Manchester Modernist Society and Modernist Magazine and The Friends of Library Walk.

There is also a Friends of Library Walk Facebook page with more than 1,000 members and an e-petition has garnered 1,309 signatures. Several councillors and Gorton MP Sir Gerald Kaufman have also objected.

They say the designs compromise the integrity of the two Grade II-listed buildings and affect the character of Library Walk.

“The walk was clearly designed as a negative curve affording views of the Cenotaph and the Friends Meeting house at either end and should remain unobstructed,” said one opponent, according to council papers. “Even if it was unplanned it was certainly a lucky accident and is an important feature now.”

In a report prepared ahead of the meeting on October 25 planning officers write: “Careful consideration has been given to the proposals in terms of the impact on the setting of nearby listed building or conservation areas.

“The proposed development would have significant public benefit, which is considered to outweigh the harm caused to the character and setting of the listed buildings.”