Manchester Library Service has successfully bid for more than £1million from the Big Lottery Communities Library fund to create an improved library at Moss Side Powerhouse.
The funding will go towards updating and modernising The Millennium Powerhouse Library, which opened in 2000.
The Powerhouse was funded by the Millennium Commission and is run by a board of local representatives, partners agencies and young people. It provides young people with a homework centre, IT suite, music and dance studios, a fitness centre and gym as well as a chill-out lounge.
The Powerhouse is a very popular resource and the library has now outgrown its current location due to increasing demand.
The successful bid will enable Manchester Library and Information Service to relocate the library to the ground floor of the current Powerhouse. It will have its own entrance and will be a state-of-the-art centre with longer opening hours.
Work will begin immediately and a project board will be established with representation from young people. The community will be widely consulted and the new facility is expected to be the pride of Moss Side.
Councillor Mike Kane, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Arts and Leisure, said: "This award from the Big Lottery Fund will give a big boost to Moss Side. Young people from the area can contribute to the redesign of the library. The award will give young people more space for reading events, talent shows, family nights and other community events, along with exhibition space, a homework club, state-of-the-art ICT kit and art and craft workshops."
The initial bid was submitted in March this year and was supported by Powerhouse users who were also consulted on the draft designs and proposals.
Powerhouse user, Kerith aged 12 said: "It is a place you can go and find something to do - no matter when." Sameera aged 11 added: "It's great, and it is the best place to visit." While Junior, aged ten said: "If we have money to do the Powerhouse up we could have a new carpet and brighter-coloured chairs to make the library brighter and nicer."
Media contact:
Margaret Blackburn, tel: 0161 234 4014