Key Points
- Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) has lodged plans with Manchester City Council to create a £20m student welcome building by retaining and refurbishing part of the former All Saints Library.
- The project involves converting a three-storey portion of the library, vacant since 2024, into a 30,000 sq ft adaptable multi-use facility, while most of the library will be demolished for a replacement.
- A new four-storey staircore structure with reflective cladding will be constructed alongside the refurbishment.
- The facility is described as a “refreshed, dynamic and active educational facility” for MMU’s 44,000 students, featuring co-working spaces, meeting rooms, wellbeing areas, and computer rooms.
- A new boulevard will link All Saints Park with the John Dalton Building East under Mancunian Way, connecting the welcome building and the planned replacement library.
- The planning statement was prepared by Deloitte; architects are Hawkins\Brown, with consultants including Buro Happold, Turner & Townsend, Hoare Lea, and Planit.
- Planning reference number is 145084/FO/2026 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.
- Andrew Fallon, MMU’s chief Property officer, highlighted the project as part of a large-scale estate investment for a safe, accessible, and connected civic campus.
- The initiative supports sustainability by refurbishing existing structures and centralising student support services.
Manchester(Manchester Mirror) February 06, 2026Manchester Metropolitan University has submitted detailed plans to Manchester City Council for a £20m student welcome building, transforming a section of the former All Saints Library into a modern hub for its 44,000 students. The proposal retains a three-storey portion of the vacant library for refurbishment into a 30,000 sq ft multi-use facility, while the majority of the structure faces demolition to make way for a replacement library. This development forms part of MMU’s broader estate vision, aiming to enhance campus connectivity and sustainability.
What Is the £20m Student Welcome Building?
The student welcome building is billed as a “refreshed, dynamic and active educational facility”, according to a planning statement by Deloitte. As outlined in the plans lodged by the university, the ground floor will house the main entrance, a student hub, and a mix of co-working spaces. The first floor will include additional workspace, meeting rooms, interview rooms, and wellbeing spaces, while the second floor will be dedicated to computer rooms. This layout prioritises flexible, student-centred environments to support learning and wellbeing.
The project also involves constructing a new four-storey structure for the staircore, featuring reflective cladding to integrate modern aesthetics with the retained library portion. Most of the former library, however, is earmarked for demolition to pave the way for a replacement library, as previously reported in related coverage.
Why Is MMU Retaining Part of the All Saints Library?
MMU seeks to refurbish the three-storey portion of the All Saints Library, which has stood vacant since 2024, rather than demolishing it entirely. This approach maximises existing resources and aligns with sustainability commitments, as noted in the university’s planning submission. By converting this space, MMU aims to deliver a practical welcome area at the campus heart without the full costs and environmental impact of new-build construction across the site.
The retention strategy is part of a scaled-back vision for the site, following earlier proposals for an £80m library redesign. The refurbishment underscores MMU’s intent to conserve heritage assets while modernising facilities.
What Does Andrew Fallon Say About the Project?
Andrew Fallon, chief Property officer at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “We are pleased to progress plans for the west part of the former library building which is set to become a welcome space at the heart of our campus.” He further elaborated: “The project is part of large-scale investment across our estate to deliver a safe, accessible, and connected civic campus. This includes new developments and facilities; refurbishments; conserving heritage assets; improving the public realm and green spaces; and providing high-quality, affordable student accommodation.” Fallon added: “By refurbishing this building, we plan to create a welcoming and practical space that centralises and improves our student support services, makes the most of our existing resources, and supports our sustainability commitments. It is an important step in delivering a campus that works for today and is ready for the future.”
These statements from Fallon emphasise the project’s role in a comprehensive estate revamp, positioning it as a key step towards a future-ready campus.
How Will the New Boulevard Enhance Campus Connectivity?
Once the old library is demolished, a new boulevard will be created between the planned student welcome building and the replacement library. This green link will connect All Saints Park with the John Dalton Building East under Mancunian Way, improving pedestrian flow and public realm quality. The boulevard forms a vital part of MMU’s vision to foster a more connected civic campus, enhancing accessibility for students and the wider community.
Who Are the Key Architects and Consultants Involved?
Hawkins\Brown serves as the lead architect on the scheme. The project team also includes Buro Happold for engineering advice, alongside Turner & Townsend, Hoare Lea, and Planit for additional consultancy roles. This multidisciplinary collaboration ensures the design meets high standards for functionality, sustainability, and integration with the existing campus.
What Is the Planning Process and Reference Number?
The plans have been formally lodged with Manchester City Council under reference number 145084/FO/2026. Interested parties can access full details via the council’s online planning portal by searching this reference. Public consultation and council review will follow standard procedures, allowing community input on the proposals.
How Does This Fit into MMU’s Wider Estate Vision?
This student welcome building represents one element of MMU’s ongoing estate transformation, which defends a redesigned library as part of a hotter-up revamp vision. The university is investing across multiple fronts, including new builds, refurbishments, heritage conservation, green space improvements, and affordable accommodation. By centralising support services in the refurbished library section, MMU addresses immediate student needs while planning for long-term growth among its 44,000-strong student body.
The initiative responds to the need for dynamic spaces amid evolving educational demands, balancing demolition for modernisation with retention for efficiency. As the campus evolves, connectivity features like the new boulevard will tie together key areas, promoting a cohesive environment under Mancunian Way.
What Happens Next for the All Saints Library Site?
Demolition of most of the former All Saints Library will clear space for the replacement facility, with the retained west portion undergoing refurbishment alongside the new staircore. Timeline details remain subject to council approval, but the project advances MMU’s commitment to a vibrant, sustainable campus. Stakeholders can monitor progress through the planning portal, ensuring transparency in this significant redevelopment.
This comprehensive plan not only revitalises a vacant asset but also sets a precedent for adaptive reuse in higher education estates. With input from Deloitte’s planning statement and Fallon’s vision, the £20m investment promises enduring benefits for students and Manchester’s educational landscape.
