Manchester Metropolitan University Secures Approval for New Library and Campus Hub Developments

Manchester Metropolitan University has received planning permission from Manchester City Council for two major projects: a new, state-of-the-art library and a Campus Hub at the former All Saints Library site on Oxford Road.

Approved on Friday, 8 May, the new library will replace the existing facility with a purpose-built, digitally advanced space designed to enhance study, research, and collaboration. The building will feature flexible, light-filled areas that promote digital engagement and offer a transformed library experience for students and staff.

Beyond the building itself, the project includes improvements to the surrounding public realm. Plans incorporate new landscaped areas accessible to the public, enhanced pedestrian pathways, and inviting social spaces aimed at creating a more vibrant and welcoming environment for the university community and the wider public.

Andrew Fallon, Chief Property Officer at Manchester Metropolitan University, commented: “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.”

In addition to the library, planning permission has been granted for the redevelopment of the western end of the former All Saints Library building. This will be transformed into a Campus Hub, serving as a central point for student support, teaching, and collaboration.

The Campus Hub is designed to consolidate student-facing services into one accessible location, simplifying access to support in areas such as wellbeing, academic success, and finance through digitally enabled systems. It will provide a flexible, high-quality environment that caters to the evolving needs of students, staff, and the wider community.

Chris Seviour, partner at Hawkins\Brown architects, 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.”

Both projects align with the University’s sustainability goals, supporting a net zero campus target by 2038. The library’s design focuses on reducing carbon emissions from fuel and energy, while the Campus Hub’s refurbishment of the existing structure minimises environmental impact by upgrading it into an energy-efficient and accessible facility.

The developments form part of a broader investment programme aimed at creating a safe, accessible, and connected civic campus. This includes new constructions, refurbishments, heritage conservation, public realm enhancements, and the provision of affordable student accommodation.

Construction work on the former All Saints Library site has commenced, with demolition expected to conclude by late summer 2026.