The Stockroom project has been mired in controversy - how does it stand at the moment?

As it stands, main library provision is still set to move to Merseyway. Central Library will operate in a lesser capacity than it currently does, however it will remain open to the public to provide adults' education services, WiFi and computers, as well as a selection of fiction and non-fiction books. 

However, a report in March revealed that project costs had increased from £14.5 million to £21 million. The project was due to be funded by the Government Future High Streets grant, however with this increase the council are not only advised to scale back, but also to provide their own £2 million of council funding.  

Costs have since been driven down to £16.5 million.

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."   

However, many people are against the move, with some fearing it would lead to disuse of the central library.

A petition, organised by Stockport United Against Austerity (SUAA), has demanded that the central library change of use be put to a public consultation, in response to what campaigner Debbie Hind has since described as a "behind closed doors" approach from the council leadership.  

Relocation to the Merseyway is projected to increase library footfall (Image - Alasdair Perry)

However, in a cabinet meeting on March 14, Cllr Colin MacAlister - portfolio holder for economy, regeneration and housing - said: "The council remains committed to delivering high-quality library services in the town centre.

"The opening of the new Stockroom will enable us to widen the provision from that previously provided at Stockport Central Library. 

"I don't see any inconsistency in wanting to deliver an improved adult education provision alongside library services in this really important heritage building.

"Every other local authority is making cuts across the country. We are not; we are actually increasing provision.  

"I'm very proud of that, and I'm equally proud that we will keep the library service in Central Library, along with increased provisions which were not provided in the central library at the Stockroom."

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