Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Portico Reunited?
An £11m transformation project that will reunite our historic building for the first time in over a century, creating a fully accessible library for books, exhibitions, events, heritage, food, learning for all Manchester’s communities to enjoy. The project has been granted initial development support by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to progress the plans.
Q: Why is this needed?
A: The Portico Library is a Grade II* listed gem, but currently much of the building is rapidly deteriorating and inaccessible to the public. This project safeguards our 25,000 rare books and archive, makes the building sustainable, and opens new spaces for communities across Manchester.
Q: How will the project be funded?
A: Through a mix of National Lottery Heritage Fund investment, other charitable trusts and foundations, donations, and earned income.
Q: Will there be disruption to local residents or businesses?
A: The works are carefully planned to minimise disruption. Construction access will be managed in line with Manchester City Council’s requirements. The project is designed to benefit the city centre economy long-term by drawing more visitors.
Q: What happens to the collection during building works?
A: All 25,000 rare books and irreplaceable archives will be carefully packed, cleaned, and condition checked by our wonderful volunteers with oversight from conservation professionals. We’ll continue to run programmes through our “Porti-GO!” pop-up venue.
Q: Will the Portico be closed during the works?
A: The building will close for around 18 months, but the Portico will stay active through “Porti-GO!” in temporary spaces in Greater Manchester, pop-up events, and online resources.
Q: How is the heritage being protected?
A: The scheme has been developed with heritage specialists and conservation architects. The aim is to protect the building, improve its environmental performance, conserve our historic book collection, and make its heritage accessible to all.
Q: What new facilities will be created?
A: A new public entrance, exhibition galleries, performance and event spaces, a lift, a Northern Bookshop, a Portico Kitchen for food culture, learning areas, and improved archives, and collections care facilities as well as an improved online presence.
Q: Who benefits?
A: Everyone – from schoolchildren able to see a first edition of a 19thC book, to people exploring Manchester’s complex past, to researchers accessing our collections, to residents and visitors enjoying an inclusive Library built around books, social activity, and learning.
Q: How will this impact Manchester?
A: Portico Reunited will make Manchester home to the UK’s most environmentally sustainable historic library. It supports growth, jobs, skills, tourism, literacy, and communal and civic pride.