Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) has significantly scaled back its ambitious library redevelopment project, reducing the planned height from 13 stories to a maximum of nine stories while cutting the floor space nearly in half. The revised plans, submitted through planning consultant Deloitte, now propose just 12,600 square meters of space compared to the original 22,000 square meters that received approval from Manchester City Council 18 months ago.
The downsizing comes amid major changes to the project team, with co-architect Schmidt Hammer Lassen departing from the $112 million development, leaving HawkinsBrown as the sole architectural firm. An MMU spokesperson declined to provide further details about Schmidt Hammer Lassen's exit when contacted by industry publications. The Danish firm had previously partnered with HawkinsBrown on the controversial $100 million library project at the University of Bristol.
University officials cited dramatic increases in construction costs as the primary driver behind the redesign. Earlier this year, MMU acknowledged being forced into a complete rethink due to significant cost escalations amid broader financial pressures affecting the entire construction industry. These economic challenges have become increasingly common across major university building projects throughout the United Kingdom.
The original timeline has also been substantially extended, with the project's completion date pushed back from 2028 to September 2030. Construction was initially scheduled to begin in summer 2023, but demolition of the existing library is now expected to start in December 2024. A new public consultation for the revised plans is set to launch next month, followed by submission of a new planning application.
The development involves partially flattening the university's current five-story library on Oxford Road in Manchester, while completely demolishing the nearby four-story All Saints building. The original approved design called for replacing the existing All Saints library with a 13-story tower, but the new proposal represents a much more modest expansion of the campus facilities.
Despite the significant reductions in scope, university representatives maintain their commitment to creating an exceptional learning environment. An MMU spokesperson emphasized that the revised plans "reflect our commitment to delivering the very best learning environment for our students," adding that the university will "be engaging extensively with our community throughout this process to ensure the final design perfectly captures what our students need to thrive."
Katie Tonkinson, partner and head of studio north at HawkinsBrown, expressed confidence in the redesigned project, stating that the practice is working to develop plans that meet "a refreshed, innovative library brief, with a clear vision to create an inspiring gateway to academic success." The firm now carries sole responsibility for the architectural design following Schmidt Hammer Lassen's departure.
Altrincham-based urban design and landscape specialist Planit-IE remains involved in the Manchester project according to the latest scoping report. The collaboration represents an effort to maintain design quality while working within the new budget constraints and reduced scope that have necessitated the dramatic changes to the original vision for the university library redevelopment.
