Manchester, England-based HMG Paints Ltd. supplied paint for the refurbishment of the city’s iconic Central Library. The Grade II* listed building, originally built between 1930 and 1934, began a £48 million, four-year renovation project in 2010 and was reopened to the public in March 2014. The library now offers the public access to extensive library collections, regional and national photograph and film archives, a state-of-the-art digital media lounge, and the magnificent central Wolfson Reading Room.

HMG Paints, the UK’s largest independent, industrial coatings manufacturer, supplied Broadley Group with over 600 litres of paint, providing a clean, classic, yet modern finish to the interiors of the iconic building. Broadley Group has a reputation for quality and skilled craftsmanship and has carried out the careful refurbishment of a number of other historical venues including London’s Kew Palace and the Coliseum Theatre.

Chris Taylor, Contract Director at Broadley Group, was thrilled with the outcome of the renovation project, “The results of the redecoration are fantastic, and I am delighted that the library has been given a modern edge whilst retaining its classical features. The partnership between Broadley Group and HMG Paints was excellent, and together we were able to supply and produce an elegant finish to this awe-inspiring structure.”

A variety of high-specification coatings, selected from HMG Paints’ Decorative Range, were supplied for use within the Central Library. Contract Matt Emulsion was supplied, providing the interior with a clean, high-opacity finish. A waterborne LMP acrylic system was also used for its excellent adhesion properties and as a greener alternative to solvent-based paints.

The new Decorative Range offered by HMG Paints includes emulsions, masonry paints and water-resistant coatings that are durable, retain their colour and are easy to apply. The range of products is especially versatile and has been specified for use on a number of new-build, redecoration and historical renovation projects.

The library is a building of special cultural significance in Manchester and has played a key role in the history of the city. Proudly positioned in the beautiful St Peter’s Square, the library was opened by King George V in 1934 and has been used to house important collections, host theatrical performances at its theatre and even provide shelter in the Second World War during the Manchester Blitz.

Since its reopening, hundreds of thousands of people have visited the library and it has, once again, become a public central hub for information and learning.

 HMG Paints’ Managing Director, John Falder, is excited to contribute to a project that is of such importance to the city. “The restoration of the Central Library to its monumental former glory is a significant development for Manchester and the surrounding areas. Visiting the truly inspiring, redeveloped library and seeing HMG’s paint covering the walls fills me with pride, and everyone working at HMG feels privileged to have been involved in such an incredible project.”