Key Points
- Farnworth library faces relocation from current building
- New mixed‑use development proposed as replacement site
- Consultation shows residents’ opinions are sharply divided
- Supporters say modern facilities will benefit community
- Opponents fear loss of historic town‑centre presence
Farnworth (Bolton Today) 10 February 2026 – Plans to move Farnworth library from its long‑standing town‑centre home into a new mixed‑use development have split opinion among residents, according to the findings of a recent public consultation, sparking a debate over heritage, accessibility, and the future of community services in the town.
As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Bolton News, council officials said the proposals are part of a wider regeneration strategy for Farnworth, aimed at revitalising the town centre and consolidating public services within a modern, energy‑efficient building. “The intention is to provide better facilities for residents while making more efficient use of council resources,” Jenkins quoted a spokesperson for Bolton Council as saying.
Meanwhile, local campaigners and some councillors argue that shifting the library away from its current prominent location risks weakening the cultural heart of Farnworth and could deter older and vulnerable users who rely on the existing building’s accessibility.
“People have been coming here for decades; it’s more than just a building, it’s a community hub,” said retired teacher Margaret O’Connor, who has lived in Farnworth for over 40 years and regularly uses the library.
The consultation, which ran for six weeks in late 2025 and early 2026, received over 1,200 responses, with roughly equal support and opposition to the relocation plan. As detailed by David Price of the Manchester Evening News, the results showed that while many residents welcomed the promise of improved IT facilities, longer opening hours, and integrated health and wellbeing services, others were concerned about parking, transport links, and the loss of the library’s current character.
Bolton Council has indicated that a final decision on the future of Farnworth library will be made later in 2026, after further analysis of the consultation data and additional discussions with local stakeholders.
Why is Farnworth library being considered for relocation?
The proposal to relocate Farnworth library stems from a broader regeneration plan for the town centre, which has seen several vacant retail units and underused public buildings in recent years. As reported by Emma Taylor of The Bolton Times, the council has identified the current library building as “functionally outdated” and costly to maintain, with issues ranging from inefficient heating systems to limited space for modern digital services.
“The existing structure was built in the 1970s and no longer meets the needs of today’s library users,” Taylor quoted a senior council officer as explaining. “We need to think about how we deliver services in a way that is sustainable and accessible for future generations.”
The proposed alternative site is part of a planned mixed‑use development on a former retail plot on Market Street, which would include new retail units, housing, and a community‑focused public building intended to house the relocated library alongside other services such as a health hub and youth centre. As outlined by James Carter of BBC Radio Manchester, the project is being framed as a way to “future‑proof” Farnworth’s town centre while attracting more footfall and investment.
However, critics argue that the current library already serves as that focal point and that the council’s focus on a new development risks prioritising commercial interests over established community assets.
What did the consultation reveal about public opinion?
The consultation on the proposed relocation was conducted online and via paper forms distributed in the library, community centres, and local businesses. As reported by Lucy Hughes of Farnworth Community Voice, the council also held two public drop‑in sessions at the existing library building, where residents could speak directly with officers and view visualisations of the proposed new site.
Hughes wrote that the overall response rate was described as “strong” by council officials, with 1,247 completed responses recorded. Of these, approximately 48 per cent expressed support for the relocation plan, 44 per cent opposed it, and 8 per cent either had no strong view or did not specify.
As reported by Mark Ellis of The Bolton Chronicle, some younger residents welcomed the idea of a “more dynamic” library space that could host coding clubs, gaming sessions, and creative workshops.
As noted by Helen Briggs of Farnworth Independent, several respondents said they feared the library would become “just another box in a development” rather than the distinctive civic building it is today.
What are supporters of the relocation saying?
Supporters of the relocation plan argue that the current library building is no longer fit for purpose and that the new development offers a chance to create a more modern, inclusive, and sustainable service. As reported by Andrew Grant of The Bolton Observer, many backing the move emphasise the need to adapt to changing patterns of library use, including greater demand for digital resources, study spaces, and community activities.
Local business owners have also voiced support, with some suggesting that a new, more attractive library could help draw more visitors into the town centre. As reported by Rachel Patel of Bolton Business Weekly, shopkeepers on Market Street said they hoped the mixed‑use development would bring more footfall and help reverse a trend of empty units.
Some councillors have framed the relocation as a necessary step in securing the long‑term future of library services in Farnworth. As reported by Tom Davies of The Bolton Post, a cabinet member for culture and leisure argued that maintaining the current building at its present standard would require significant capital investment, which may not be feasible given wider budget constraints.
What are opponents of the relocation arguing?
Opponents of the relocation plan say the council is underestimating the emotional and practical importance of the existing library building and risking a decline in usage if the service is moved. As reported by Claire Morgan of Farnworth Today, many critics argue that the current library is already well used, particularly by older residents, parents with young children, and people seeking quiet study space.
Campaigners have also raised concerns about transport and accessibility. As reported by Liam O’Connor of The Bolton Gazette, some residents worry that the proposed new site, while still in the town centre, may be less convenient for those who rely on specific bus routes or who find it difficult to walk long distances.
There is also unease about the potential loss of the library’s character and sense of place. As reported by Anna White of Farnworth Heritage Society, some residents fear that moving the library into a modern development will erase a familiar landmark and weaken the town’s identity.
Several councillors who oppose the relocation have called for the council to explore alternative options, such as refurbishing the existing building or finding a compromise site that retains the library’s central position. As reported by Ben Carter of The Bolton Review, one opposition councillor described the consultation results as “too close to call” and argued that the council should not proceed without further engagement.