13 July 2021
Stockport Green Party has endorsed the concerns of many residents about the uncertain future of the town’s historic Central Library.
Work on the Grade II listed library began in 1913 with the aid of a grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Many contemporary Carnegie libraries have been modified successfully to suit modern needs, but Stockport Council has started a lengthy consultation process about the movement of its facilities to a ‘21st century universal learning and discovery space’ new ‘cultural and museum experience’ in Merseyway, currently dubbed ‘Stockroom’
Green Councillor Gary Lawson commented: “We are concerned that many of the details of the plans for Stockroom are unclear at this stage, even to Councillors like myself, and that the consultation is not transparent about the potential closure of Stockport Central Library in its current form.”
Councillor Lawson added: “I think it is important to maintain the cultural corridor in Stockport, of Plaza, Garrick Theatre, Central Library, Town Hall, Art Gallery and College, which is inspirational for its residents. It has been mooted that the final decision about whether to transfer the library facilities will be taken by the Labour Cabinet. However I hope that such an important issue will be resolved by the full Council, with the views of all residents represented.”
A 7,000 strong petition to save the library, organised by a local campaign group, will be delivered at the Council Meeting on Thursday July 15th
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