MMU unveils plans for £20m student welcome building
Part of the former All Saints Library will be retained and converted to create a 30,000 sq ft adaptable multi-use facility under plans lodged by the university with Manchester City Council.
Manchester Metropolitan University wants to refurbish a three-storey portion of the library that has been vacant since 2024 as well as constructing a four-storey structure for the staircore with reflective cladding.
Most of the former library is earmarked for the wrecking ball to pave the way for a replacement library.
Read more about MMU’s library plans and its wider estate vision
The £20m student welcome building is billed as a “refreshed, dynamic and active educational facility” for the university’s 44,000 students to work from, according to a planning statement by Deloitte.
The ground floor would feature the entrance, student hub, and a mix of co-working spaces. The first floor would comprise more workspace as well as meeting rooms, interview rooms, and wellbeing spaces. The second floor would be given over the computer rooms.
Once the old library has been demolished, a new boulevard will be created between the planned student building and the replacement library, linking All Saints Park with the John Dalton Building East under Mancunian Way.
A new boulevard will be created between the welcome building and the library. Credit: via MMU
Andrew Fallon, chief Property officer and Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “We are pleased to progress plans for the west part of the former library building which is set to become a welcome space at the heart of our campus.
“The project is part of large-scale investment across our estate to deliver a safe, accessible, and connected civic campus. This includes new developments and facilities; refurbishments; conserving heritage assets; improving the public realm and green spaces; and providing high-quality, affordable student accommodation.
“By refurbishing this building, we plan to create a welcoming and practical space that centralises and improves our student support services, makes the most of our existing resources, and supports our sustainability commitments. It is an important step in delivering a campus that works for today and is ready for the future.”
Hawkins\Brown is the architect on the scheme. Buro Happold is also advising alongside Turner & Townsend, Hoare Lea, and Planit.
To learn more, search for reference number 145084/FO/2026 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.
