Portico Reunited

Key Spaces

We have a unique opportunity to reunite, renovate, and reimagine our building. Through the Reunited project we will create new and restore old spaces for future generations to enjoy.

The Front Steps (Portico Façade)

Our vision is for everyone to access the Portico through its historic front entrance, something that has never happened before. While the Portico’s entrance is one of the building’s iconic features, we know from speaking to our communities and visitors the columns and steps present access and societal barriers, discouraging people from entering the Library. In order to overcome these barriers, we plan to remove the original front steps and create a step-free entrance that is open and welcome to all.

Learning and Meeting Spaces

The redesigned ground floor will respond to the needs and requirements of our partners, visitors and users by creating flexible multi-use spaces for exhibitions, events, food, activities, debate, music, film screenings and learning. Developed in collaboration with these groups, these welcoming spaces will enable people to explore, share, and celebrate their stories and Manchester’s literary and global heritage.

The Glass Dome

The spectacular saucer dome at the Portico is one of its most striking features. It creates a sense of light, space and wonder, transporting you back to Manchester’s industrial past. In 1856, stained-glass panels were fitted with eight coats of arms including Salford, Manchester, England, Scotland, Ireland, the Diocese of Manchester, and the Duchy of Lancaster. The restoration of this iconic architectural feature is key to securing the heritage of the Portico.

The Bookshelves

A transformed ground floor will give the Library the opportunity to install flexible bookshelves that will increase collection space and ways to better present, protect and interpret our historic collection. We will create a dynamic literary environment that encourages reading, writing and collaboration. It will include Manchester’s own dedicated Northern Writers Bookshop.

The Archive

There is currently no dedicated storage space for the Portico’s extensive archive (they are currently stored in damp attic space accessible only via a loft ladder) or research space to study and explore the archive and collection in depth. To address this the new basement level will have specially conditioned spaces for dedicated archive storage and research study, encouraging a new generation to explore our collection.

The Lightbox

A bespoke design by Purcell, the LightBox is one of several innovative architectural inventions central to the Reunited project. In a nod to the original 1806 design, it restores a visual connection between the Library’s ground and first floor for the first time in 100 years. The Lightbox will invite curiosity and entice thousands of visitors upwards to experience and explore the historic reading rooms and collection.

The Air Source Heat Pumps

The Reunited project offers the exciting and important opportunity to make the Portico one of the most environmental sustainability historic libraries in the UK. We will remove gas from the building and install a state-of-art air source heat pump on the roof to power the Portico, dramatically reducing our carbon footprint and supporting Manchester’s net-zero goals. Through the introduction of insulation, energy efficient lighting and improved drainage and window provisions we will retrofit the Portico ensuring we future proof the building and safeguard the collection for the climate change era.

The Reading Room

The Reading room is one of Manchester’s most beautiful and historically significant spaces. It is here that our members worked, read, debated and created. Lined floor to ceiling with priceless books, this room is where Peter Mark Roget worked on the Thesaurus and John Dalton dreamt of atom movements. The Reunited project will sympathetically restore the room and install conservation grade sustainable heating systems to help preserve our irreplaceable collection for generations to come.

Become a Reunited Patron

We are seeking support from trusts, foundations, companies and individuals who share in our vision of a reunited Portico Library. Reunited Patrons will be instrumental in transforming what is currently a beloved but hidden gem into one of Manchester’s leading cultural institutions, open and accessible for all to enjoy.

For more information about these spaces and to discuss options for your support, including sponsorship and naming opportunities, contact Dr Thom Keep at Librarian@theportico.org.uk.