Central Library

The Central Library, built in 1879 and designed by architect R K Freeman of Bolton, is a Grade II listed red brick building in the Gothic style. It features two storeys and a basement, with a central projecting bay that includes a clock tower topped with a gabled lantern and a spirelet. The side wings are adorned with a range of stone mullioned windows, each featuring tiered canted bay windows and an oriel window with pointed arched lights. Above these windows is a hipped tile roof with iron brattishing. The central area has a semi-circular oriel window with mullions and transoms, and the first storey showcases moulded terra cotta and tile panels, along with moulded head and sill bands. The central doorway is a pointed divided door, complemented by a moulded eaves cornice and a parapet. The building is further enhanced by tiles. An addition on the left-hand side, dated 1915, is included in the listing. The Central Library, along with Nos 6, 8, 10 and the gates on the right-hand side, and the Statue of M.T. Bass, forms a group with No 1 Strand.