It's one of the first things many people see as they enter Stockport – but concerns are growing over the future of a historic town-centre landmark.

The grade-II listed Stockport Central Library shut its doors in May for a 'short period' for maintenance works, the council explained at the time.

But six months later the doors are still closed, and Stockport MP Navendu Mishra has asked for clarity over what is going on.

The building sits on the corner of Wellington Road and St Petersgate, and first opened in October 1913.

It was designed by architects Bradshaw, Gass and Hope, and funded by Andrew Carnegie.

The closure in May was put down to 'essential maintenance and improvement works', described as 'vital to protect and preserve the building for the future.'

Stockport also saw the opening of the 14.5m Stockroom building in May, offering another town-centre library and cultural event space.

The interior of Stockport central library as seen before the building's temporary closure (Image - Nub News)

The town's Labour MP has called on the Lib Dem council leader to provide an update on the future of the historic site.

'It is with disappointment that I am writing to seek clarification regarding the continued closure of Stockport Central Library,' Mr Mishra wrote in the letter.

'As you are aware this facility, which was founded by Carnegie has long served as a cornerstone of our community, providing essential access to educational resources, cultural enrichment, and public services.

'It has come to my attention, as a result of several constituents getting in touch and seeing the enclosed notice, that the library has remained closed for a significant period.

'This concern is compounded by previous reductions in library services across Stockport, which I have raised on several occasions.'

The MP called for a timeline for the reopening of the building, and asked the council to provide an update on its 'intentions for the building and the provision of library services in Stockport more widely.'

The main entrance of Stockport central library (Image - Nub News)

Stockport council leader Mark Roberts said there are no plans to close Central Library.

He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "We remain fully committed to Central Library as a valued town centre library and future home of the music service, sitting alongside Stockroom which now provides an additional, modern library offer in the heart of the town centre.

"The temporary delay is linked to the careful relocation of Stockport's archives into their new, purpose-built home at Stockroom. These are irreplaceable collections that require specialist handling and the highest professional standards, and taking the time to do this properly is essential to preserving our heritage and delivering a high-quality, accredited service for the future.

"This careful approach will ensure both Central Library and Stockroom can serve residents well for many years to come, offering improved facilities, better access and a stronger cultural offer for Stockport."

The council leader warned that 'chronic underfunding' by the government is a major risk to local services across Stockport.

Stockport Council leader Cllr Mark Roberts (Image - Stockport Council)

He added: "The greatest risk to our local services comes from the chronic underfunding of the council by the previous Conservative government.

"Sadly, that same austerity agenda is now being followed by a London-centric Labour Party.

"We welcome the opportunity to work with Nav to call on his government to give Stockport the fair funding it deserves, starting with calling out the government's 'recovery grant' that looks set to forget some of Stockport and Greater Manchester's poorest areas for the next three years."

According to figures from the council, Stockroom has welcomed more than 500,000 people since opening in May, and has held a range of 'mostly free activities and events' for residents and visitors.

There have been 30,827 book loans in Stockroom since its opening, a 79 per cent increase in new library membership; and overall loans are up 52pc compared with Central Library, the town hall said.

A Historic England spokesperson said: "Stockport Central Library is a valued local building and is listed at Grade II as a great example of civic architecture.

"It was funded by Andrew Carnegie, a philanthropist who was passionate about the availability of free libraries, funding approximately 3,000 libraries during his lifetime.

"The best way to ensure the survival and protection of buildings such as local libraries is to keep them in use for future generations to enjoy."

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