Manchester Quakers fight planning decision

Quakers in Manchester are among those opposing council’s planned closure of Library Walk

Members of Central Manchester Meeting are among those opposing Manchester City Council’s planned closure of the public right of way, Library Walk, in the city centre.

The pedestrianised thoroughfare has existed since 1934, connecting St Peter’s Square to Mount Street. It provides the only face-on route to the Meeting house on Mount Street.

Library Walk is the work of the architect E Vincent Harris, and constitutes an unusual curved space between two Grade II* listed buildings. The council has already blocked it by adding a glass link-building – the campaigners are objecting to this being closed overnight, which would, in effect, ‘privatise’ the space. 

Central Manchester Friend Matthew Schofield was the first local Quaker to join the campaign. Members of his Meeting and Manchester and Warrington Area Meeting soon added their support. 

‘I have never taken part in a planning enquiry before. This is my first because it involves an area which I frequently visit, where my Meeting house is,’ he told the Friend.

‘It marks the removal of impor-tant public space and the removal of the public’s right to roam freely in the city centre. I worry about the affect on the Meeting house and all its different users.’

The enquiry is due to resume on 6 November. Fellow campaigners include the Open Spaces Society, disability rights advocates and the Ramblers Association.  

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