Stockport library's archives, comprising a range of historical items and documents, is moving to the new Stockroom building.

The reason for the move is to protect and preserve the items by moving them to an environment with better storage conditions. Archivists are preparing for the move this month.

The Stockroom building is the new library and 'discovery centre' in the Merseyway shopping centre. 

Plans for the Stockroom project were first approved in 2021. According to a council webpage from the time, its aim is to "transform Stockport town centre to help the town overcome the economic devastation felt by high streets across Britain by the impact of Covid-19". 

Promotional material for the Stockroom project, as seen in the town centre (Image - Alasdair Perry)

Citing the 42% decrease in central library visitors from April 2012 to March 2020, the website adds: "Evidence from around the UK shows that creating a new 21st century library, cafe and learning space in Merseyway will breathe new life into vacant retail units and bring thousands of visitors back to Stockport town centre as other, similar developments up and down the country have done."  

Councillor Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport at Stockport Council, said: "In Stockport we are lucky enough to have a really rich collection of historical documents which help to bring the history of the borough to life.

"It's really important that these documents are stored and looked after correctly to help preserve them for future generations to enjoy.

"By moving the documents to Stockroom, residents will be able to access the Heritage and Archives library in a purpose built, state-of the art central location. The brand new facilities at Stockroom will help ensure conditions are the best they can be to help preservation and prevent decay."

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