Historic Grade II library building reopens after £1.5m refurbishment by Wigan Council

Historic Grade II library building reopens after £1.5m refurbishment by Wigan Council

Tyldesley Library

A historic Wigan Borough community library has reopened to the public after a major refurbishment project.

It means a new chapter in the story of Tyldesley Library can now be written with the revamp including better facilities for visitors.

The much-loved site on Stanley Street is one of the original Carnegie libraries and a key heritage asset.

Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and communities, said: “The reopening of Tyldesley Library is a fantastic milestone for the community and everybody who has been involved in this project.

“The library services moved to Tyldesley Town Hall back in 2020, and I am really proud that over the last five years we have been able to carry out vital works to this building and now bring it back into use.

“The building is a historic Carnegie library and its significance in the community can’t be understated.

"Unfortunately, in recent years, we have seen libraries close to the public due to pressures on local government funding. However, here in Wigan Borough, we're proud to have maintained our fantastic library network - working alongside our community partners."

Due to essential repairs being required at the site, library services were relocated from Stanley Street to Tyldesley Town Hall in 2020, with proposals put forward to potentially make the move permanent.

Following a public consultation with more than 250 responses, a decision was made to refurbish the existing library building on Stanley Street, which has now re-opened after a £1.5m revamp.

Originally opening in 1909 on Stanley Street, Tyldesley Library was among the first wave of Carnegie Libraries built in England.

The historic building, which replaced the Temperance and Education Hall which had been built on the site in 1851, was given Grade II listed status in 2023 following a recommendation by Historic England.

Following the refurbishment and restoration work of the premises, all services have been transferred back from Tyldesley Town Hall on Elliott Street.

As well as a wide range of books available to read and take home, the library also provides computers, printers, and internet access, workspaces and quiet corners, as well as function rooms and flexible spaces which can be used as a warm hub or by community groups and local businesses, including for out of hours usage.

In the upstairs Cotton Room and Colliery Suite, there is also the unique offering of two wedding suites for up to 60 people, with Tyldesley Library the first in the borough to offer this service. An accessible ramp will also be installed at the entrance in the coming weeks.

Councillor Ready added: “The facilities inside the new-look library look fantastic so please come and visit to ensure that the building can continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.”

For more information, visit our library services webpages (external link).