Future of Chorlton Library & Leisure Centre

Andrew Carnegie (of Carnegie Hall fame) left his home in Scotland to go to America to make his fortune. Mindful of his indebtedness to his local library, he was concerned that libraries should be available to all localities and residents. He bought plots of land and had libraries built on them to one design – with a distinctive dome, in the ‘30s. Chorlton library is one such Carnegie library, and there is another in Farnworth.

Following a wide-ranging review of Manchester’s buildings to find out if they are suitable for the future service needs of the City’s neighbourhoods, the Council has an opportunity to replace ageing swimming pools and libraries with modern facilities in Chorlton, Levenshulme and Miles Platting. These proposed new buildings will provide up-to-date service, encouraging more people to become active while at the same time reducing running costs and saving money (Manchester City Council 2012).


A consultation questionnaire dated 13 June 2012 was available online regarding the facilities used and what library/ leisure centre facilities/ activities are most enjoyed/ expected by individuals or families with opportunity to choose priority for such a new facility.

A drop-in meeting was held regarding this and paper copies were available at the library and leisure centre, with a closing date for this consultation being Sunday 24 June. We only came across the consultation online by chance as somehow we had missed the information about the meeting. We asked if the date for the consultation period could be extended, but this was apparently not possible.

Very few people were aware of this consultation, but I had the chance to meet with David Boothroyd, Business Development Manager at Manchester City Council, and Sue Moores, Libraries, who told me that further consultation would be held following the results of this one, a report of which goes to the Executive Committee in July. New facilities, if acceptable, could become ready early 2015. The intended development, proposed to be located within Chorlton District Centre, would include a leisure centre with swimming pool, health and fitness (gym) and a library, but not a sports hall as at present.

Jenny Slee