Glass bridges old and new at John Rylands Library

A Linford Group product story

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Sep 15, 2006

Linford Group has installed a new glass bridge which will connect the new wing of The John Rylands Library in Manchester with the original neo-gothic building.

Building contractor Linford Group has installed a new glass bridge which will connect the new wing of The John Rylands Library in Manchester with the original neo-gothic building.

The installation of the new glass bridge marks a key stage in the restoration and development of the landmark building as it takes one step closer to opening in spring 2007.

The bridge will lead from the original Grade I listed library in to the new steel and glass-built wing which will provide an accessible entrance, visitor facilities, a new reading room, state-of-the-art storage facility and purpose-built conservation studio.

Simon Linford, executive chairman of Linford Group: "It is fitting that the bridge which connects the original building with the new wing is made using contemporary design which also allows visitors to see through the glass to the library's architecture.

"We are extremely proud to be involved with the restoration and development of such an important building in the heart of Manchester".

The building is part of The University of Manchester, and houses The John Rylands University Library's special collections of early print and rare books, manuscripts and archives, including the St John Fragment, the earliest surviving portion of the New Testament.

Bill Simpson, University Librarian and Director of the John Rylands University Library, said: "With the addition of the new wing to the Library we are significantly improving the facilities for our visitors while considerably enhancing the quality of collection storage and conservation".

"The new glass bridge is an important stage as it now provides a very real and visible connection between the old and new".

The project has received more than £8 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund and more than £3 million from the European Regional Development Fund.

The library will officially open in spring 2007, but visitors will be able to enjoy previews of the building in the new year.