Reuniting the Portico Library, uniting people

The Portico, a much-loved cultural destination in the heart of Manchester, 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 bold £7 million capital development project that will transform the building and preserve the historic book collection.

During the development phase, which will is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, 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 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 for all.

We need your help! The Portico will be embarking on a range of fundraising activities to realise its ambitious plans so please follow the ‘Support the project’ button below.