Lottery boost for local libraries

The grants aim to turn libraries into community hubs

A number of libraries in Greater Manchester have been awarded about £1m each to find new uses for them and develop them into community hubs.

The Big Lottery Fund has provided nearly £4m to fund redevelopment of libraries in Moss Side in Manchester, Bury, Bolton and Oldham.

The investment from will help attract groups and individuals who may not currently use their local library.

The grants are part of a £80m scheme to improve libraries nationally.

In Manchester, an award of £1,095,060 will relocate the Powerhouse Library facility for young people in Moss Side.

Community centres

The extra space created will be used for study support, IT classes, vocational courses, music, sports and fitness activities.

Bury Metropolitan Borough Council has been awarded £1,416,725 to create four new community centres and libraries.

Two will be based on the existing Moorside and Brandlesholme community libraries in Bury and two new ventures in the Dumers Lane and Coronation Road areas of Radcliffe.

Bolton Council has been awarded £1,127,293 to rebuild a new Breightmet Library that will form part of the new primary care resource centre development at the Alastair Ross Health Centre.

Finally, a £536,685 grant awarded to Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council will extend Lees Library creating a community space within the main body and a smaller surgery space.