Manchester approves MMU’s updated £80m All Saints Library plan
The 130,000 sq ft building will replace the university’s existing Oxford Road facility.
Late last week, Manchester City Council gave Manchester Metropolitan University planning consent for a new library for the second time.
Earlier proposals for a 200,000 sq ft building rising to 12 storeys a more outlandish facade were given consent in 2024 before the university redesigned the scheme on viability grounds.
Read more about MMU’s decision to redesign the library.
The updated plans for the nine-storey project were lodged in December. Following approval, MMU is expecting the demolition of the old library to complete late summer.
Andrew Fallon, chief property officer at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “The approval of plans for our new library marks a significant milestone. The library will be a landmark development, reflecting our commitment to outstanding education, world-class research, and a more connected, vibrant campus experience for all.
“It marks the beginning of an inspiring new chapter in realising our University’s ambition and the future of our estates masterplan – bringing our vision to life in ways that will shape generations to come.”
Manchester City Council has also approved MMU’s plans for a separate three-storey, 30,000 sq ft student hub building to be created within a retained element for the existing library.
Chris Seviour, partner at architect Hawkins\Brown, said: “By retaining and refurbishing All Saints West, we save carbon and character, reimagining it as a Campus Hub while setting the stage for a future library, shaped by diverse settings, including space to study ‘alone together’ and a dramatic double-height reading room.
“The pearlescent cladding and rippled stainless steel of the buildings are designed to reflect life on the campus and Manchester’s ever-changing skies.”
To learn more about the library, search for reference number 144697/FO/2025 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.
To learn more about the student hub, search for reference number 145084/FO/2026 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal. Like the library, Hawkins\Brown is the architect on the scheme. Buro Happold, Turner & Townsend, Hoare Lea, and Planit are advising on both projects.
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The streets will always remember the original design.
By max_from_poynton
Such a shame the original and much more exciting design was replaced by this design due to costs.
By jrb
Boring and bland
By Anonymous
We don’t want this awful design
By Mike
Great to see both of these projects 1 step closer to realisation! Big things are coming
By Building Lover 2026
A bland box, nice to see the investment in the city, but come on guys there needs be a wish for better architecture.
By Steve5839
Great design! I prefer this version to the original and I remember the negative comments that the usual suspects delivered first time around. Very sad and narrow minded when this brings so much value/jobs to OUR CITY.
By Hulme Lad
No no no no
By Steve Checkerboard
Love the sanctimonious comments… not. This is a sad step back from a super cool memorable design. This is sad. With this V2 It could have at least been red to be in keeping with the existing. Instead it’s a bright carbuncle of averageness, instead of a bold statement of a brighter future!!
By Ohhh
Yes yes yes yes
By Cheve Steckerboard
Nothing says “brighter future” like declaring something a carbuncle because it doesn’t match your colour preferences. Strong argument. Very compelling… not.
Ohhh dear…
By Student Voice
Like Populistm. They promise the earth but deliver so little.
By Christopher
Another BOX
By Anonymous
Boring, bland, uninspirable – exactly the opposite to the original design. Knew this would be the case once the Main Contractor’s QS got their hands on this.
By Biggd
Unbridled joy at this design. Almost in tears. I’ve never seen such beauty.
By Tom