Prestwich Library is preparing to temporarily relocate to the Phoenix Centre while modern facilities are created as part of the major £100m Prestwich Village regeneration project.
It’s time for Prestwich Library to make a move
As many customers will be aware, high‑quality, modern‑day library facilities are coming to Prestwich as part of the £100 million regeneration scheme. Construction of the £14 million travel hub is already underway and progressing at pace, ensuring there is no delay to the next phase of work - the regeneration of the Longfield Shopping Centre.
To prepare for this, Prestwich Library will move out of the Longfield Centre and temporarily relocate to the Phoenix Centre. This move supports demolition and future redevelopment while importantly ensuring that library services continue for residents.
The Phoenix Centre has been carefully assessed as a safe, accessible and welcoming temporary home for library services. Essential repairs and internal works are being planned in partnership with library staff, advisors and delivery partners.
Some historically important and locally cherished items will also be relocated:
- Heritage Gallery items will be returned to Bury Art Museum for display
- The Prestwich Timeline panels are expected to move to a local school
Temporary service disruption
Demolition of the Longfield Centre will take place in two phases. The first phase affects the building that includes the library, meaning the library will need to close temporarily before the Phoenix Centre is fully ready. We are finalising the programme of works for the required adaptations and will confirm closure and reopening dates in a future update.
Please bear with us
We will do everything possible to keep this temporary break in services to a minimum.
The temporary library
The Phoenix Centre, located within St Mary’s Park and close to other community facilities, benefits from good transport links and will continue to offer:
- Reading provision for all ages
- Free access to computers and Wi‑Fi
- Study and community space
- Children’s library activities
Opening times will remain the same:-
Monday Closed
Tuesday 10am to 4.30pm
Wednesday 10am to 4.30pm
Thursday 12.30pm to 7pm
Friday 10am to 4.30pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday 9.30am to 1pm
The bigger picture – Prestwich Village regeneration
We understand this is a significant period of change for library users and businesses required to vacate the Longfield Centre. We remain committed to managing this transition with sensitivity, transparency and support. Thank you for your patience during this time.
To learn more about the wider regeneration project, visit www.yourprestwich.com
Next steps
As plans progress, regular updates will be shared directly with library users and community groups, in the press, and through signage at both locations. Future updates will include:
- A February update confirming closure dates and details of internal works
- An early March update confirming the planned reopening date and full range of services
We will also provide FAQs and issue updates via Bury libraries’ social media channels.
Further information, including FAQs, will also be available on Bury libraries’ social media channels.
Thank you once again for your patience during this period of change.