Survey Systems surveys prestigious local library

One of the UK's most prestigious research libraries has commissioned Survey Systems to conduct a full survey of the Library as part of project to develop a new entrance wing.

Survey Systems references prestigious local library One of the UK's most prestigious research libraries, the John Rylands University Library of Manchester, has commissioned Survey Systems, one of the UK's largest independent survey companies to conduct a full survey of the Library as part of project to develop a new entrance wing.

Wilmslow based Survey Systems was first asked to conduct a detailed topographic survey of the Manchester city centre site by the project's architects, Austin-Smith Lord, to capture the 19th century building's foot print.

The survey teams then went on conduct elevation and roof surveys to provide a full external profile of the building and are currently conducting internal floor plans, sections and elevations.

The new entrance wing has been designed to complement the Library's famous main building.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has funded the project and it is hoped that by creating the new entrance wing, the library will be able to open up more of the original building to the public.

Commenting on the project, Nigel Staniforth, Managing Director of Survey Systems said that it was a very special development to work on.

Mr Staniforth said: "We have a proven track record on working on buildings and sites that have significant historic importance and whilst each one is special, this one was more so to us as it is a famous local building.

"Our survey activity will now form part of an ongoing initiative which hopes to make the Library much easier to use and its collection more accessible".

The John Rylands University Library, named after one of Manchester's 19th Century cotton magnates, is the largest non-legal deposit academic library in the UK.

It provides services and resources to students, researchers and academic staff as well as members of the public, schools and businesses.

The magnificent gothic building holds the widest range of electronic resources of any UK academic library.

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