Extension to Free Reference Library King Street Manchester

PROPOSED EXTENSION OF THE FREE REFERENCE LIBRARY - The development of the Reference Library and the necessity of further accommodation have for some time past occupied the attention of the Committee. and they have had under their consideration the desirability of utilising the vacant land in Cross-street, which is their property, and the unsightliness of which has long been the subject of complaint. The trustees of the Cross-street Chapel have been approached with respect to the terms on which they would vary the rights they possess under an Old covenant. These rights would entitle them to prevent the Committee building on part of the area which existed when the old waterworks offices were standing. It was necessary to obtain plans in order to show how the plot Could be used to the best advantage, and to enable the Committee and the trustees to ascertain how far the rights of the latter would be interfered with. The Committee instructed Messrs. Beaumont, architects, to prepare such plans. These plans showed rooms suitable for letting as offices in the basement and on the ground floor, in addition to two spacious apartments for library purposes, with access from the present main building. The committee have given close attention to the question of compensation for the chapel rights, and are satisfied that the sum named by the trustees (viz.£1,500) is the lowest amount they would take. The cost of the proposed building would be about£12,000. The Committee are advised that the rents they might expect from the offices would yield a return of six per cent on the whole outlay. The space left for library purposes is calculated to be sufficient for many years, but the whole of the building would be so constructed as to admit of its entire absorption for library purposes if at a future time this should be necessary. ln view of the fact, that the Corporation rights of light, not only on the "chapel" side, but to the front of Cross Street will be impaired in 1894 and still further restrict in 1897, the Free Libraries Committee recommend the Council to authorise them to carry out the proposed extension forthwith. They propose to adopt the plans already prepared by Messrs Beaumont, modified to the requirements of the proposed new line of Cross Street. [Manchester Guardian 30 December 1893 page 10]

Reference           Manchester Guardian 30 December 1893 page10