Back in 2013 when the long-awaited £48m transformation of Manchester Central Library was now just six months from completion i was given access to the site for exclusive photographs. It was still a building site with parts and equipment everywhere and i have to get enough photos for a gallery online

The most amazing part of the tour was to go up the scaffolding in the Shakespeare Hall, which is an ornate chamber displaying local heraldry and with large stainglass windows.

The ceiling decorations include the arms and crests of the Duchy of Lancaster, the See of york, the See of Manchester, the City of Manchester, and Lancashire County Council

The central Wolfson Reading Room on the first floor is the Great Hall, a large reading room topped by a dome. Much of the original furniture designed by the architect can be seen on this floor. Around the rim of the dome…