John Rylands Library’s £7.6 million renovation approved by council

Multimillion pound plans have been approved to restore Manchester’s historic landmark, John Rylands Research Institute and Library.

The Grade-I listed building which stands proudly on Deansgate will undergo a huge £7.6 million refurbishment which will allow a series of ‘sensitive adaptations’ to update it, Manchester City Council says.

The University of Manchester wants to improve facilities for its research, public events and visitors to its special collections and said the work would ‘enhance its contribution to research, student experience and public engagement’.

The project – John Rylands Next Chapter – is a part of its Imagine2030 vision. Work will include an updated exhibition space, an advanced imaging laboratory, and a flexible event space.

Proposals will also include a refreshed main entrance incorporating the Victorian-era built library’s evolution through the 1890s, 1920s, 1960s and 2000s.

Considered one of the ‘great libraries of the world’ and finest neo-Gothic buildings in Europe, it’s home to important collections of rare books, manuscripts, and archives – including the oldest portion of the Gospel of John and manuscripts from the celebrated novelist Elizabeth Gaskell.

Announcing the news, Professor Christopher Pressler, John Rylands university librarian and director of The University of Manchester library, said: “I am tremendously proud to lead this remarkable institution as we approach our 125th anniversary in 2025. 

“The Next Chapter project will deliver world-class facilities for research and engagement, of a quality to match our extraordinary collections and building.

“It will equip the Rylands to address the many challenges and opportunities of the mid-21st century, and it will reinforce the Rylands’ importance to the University, the city of Manchester, and world heritage.”

The library was founded by Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her husband John Rylands, who died in 1888, by using money from his estate.

It was built to rival those of Oxford and Cambridge and opened in 1900. 

Rylands is expected to remain open throughout the restoration project, with only certain areas of it closed off for works.