Bolton’s Grade II Central Library forms part of the town’s Cultural Quarter and has recently undergone a transformational refurbishment via Bolton’s strategic partner Clear Futures. Funded through Levelling Up grants, the aspiration was to boost Bolton’s economy and deliver opportunities for local people.
The vision was to refurbish and redesign the space to reflect the changing ways in which communities use their libraries, emphasising reading, creativity, health, wellbeing, and digital inclusion. The challenge was to create an open, modern space whilst strengthening the building’s 1930s Art Deco features to facilitate a range of activities to entertain, inform and educate people of all ages.
Dramatic shelving monoliths echo the Art Deco architecture whilst offering views past and around, allowing visitors to explore and make this space their own. The central space draws you in and enables theatrical performances, storytelling and author visits, facilitating local community and wellbeing groups to collaborate and support each other, in a library that the town is immensely proud of.
Usage of the library has increased dramatically since its reopening including the flexible, engaging children’s area experiencing a 330% increase in attendees in year one.
Three Winning Facts:
- 1,360 m2 of vinyl flooring was due to be replaced with wayfinding and art built into the design. However, during the works the original parquet flooring was uncovered and a decision was made to restore it to its former glory, greatly enhancing the character of Bolton Library. Flooring was reclaimed from other areas of the building to facilitate the repairs.
- The original internal features of this Grade II Listed building have been successfully restored, thanks to safe, careful management of each trade and element of works, delivering on Bolton Council’s aspiration of a beautiful heritage refurbishment to create an inspiring creative space. The installation of an additional mezzanine floor that has been cantilevered from the anchor wall so as not to disturb the large, protected heritage windows is a perfect example of this.
- The refurbished library has seen a 78% increase in visits, 23% increase in active borrowers and 30% increase in computer sessions thanks to the upgraded facilities and improved services now on offer to the community. Attendance at children’s events has risen 330% since reopening, a remarkable engagement uptake that is fully supporting the council’s priorities under its ‘Start Well’ strategic objective to provide the best start in life for every child in Bolton and keep children learning successfully.
