We are concerned at the design of the glazed Link building constructed between the Library and the Town Hall Extension. We did make detailed recommendations at the planning application stage but some of those have been ignored.

The issues we’re concerned about include:

• The creation of a bottleneck through the Link
• Lack of specific access routes through the link, with many people moving in different directions at the same time
• Use of uplighters
• A gloomy environment with the construction of a reflective stainless steel roof
• Potential acoustic issues

This route across the town hall and library buildings and through Library Walk removes a safe traffic free route and creates serious barriers for some disabled people who may not be able to use this route any more.

We are also objecting to the proposed “stopping up” and closure of Library Walk. This is currently a public right of way but Manchester City Council want to close it between 10.00pm and 06.00am as well as forcing people to use the Link building to get through Library Walk during the day.

We will provide a report of the ongoing Public Inquiry relating to Library Walk when it is finished but there is also information on Friends of Library Walk or follow the campaign on twitter @savelibrarywalk or use #savelibrarywalk