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  1. Co-operative Archive

Visit the archive

Please note that from the start of April to the end of June, our open days will be temporarily adjusted to Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10-4pm 

After June, our days for researchers will revert back to Wednesday to Friday 10:00 - 16:00. 

To book a visit to do your own research at Holyoake House please download and fill in the User Registration Form indicating: 
  • the day and time you wish to visit 
  • which archives or rare books you wish to consult 

and email [email protected]   

It is helpful to have a list of the materials that you want to see in advance so we can prepare them. We can then assess your requests and advise you on availability. For details of our holdings visit the Search the Archive page.  

Limited spaces are available, and you must give a minimum of a weeks' notice when booking an appointment. Please only visit the reading room if we have confirmed your visit. 

We close for lunch from 13:00 - 13:45 and ask researchers to go offsite during this time. 

First Time?

If you are unfamiliar with using archives then you may find this guide from The National Archives useful. Please get in touch if you need further help.

Photography

Self service photography is allowed in the reading room upon completion of a reprographics form to state this is for personal research only.  If you wish to use material for any other purpose, then permission from the Archive must be sought.

Day of Visit

Please make yourself known to the Reception Desk will at Holyoake House who will inform us of your arrival.

Bookable Services

Initial enquiries and doing your own research is free but if you need us to do remote research for you (if you don't wish to travel) or answer a more in-depth research enquiry the following charges may apply. *Please consider that this may be cheaper than the cost of travelling to Manchester for a visit in person.

  • £15 for scanning identified material (when we are asked for a specific image or document).
  • £15 for 30 minutes of research. If further research is required this would be charged at £30 per hour with a minimum of 1 hour, maximum 3 hours.

We are able to undertake quick enquiries but as we are a small team, we charge for more in depth research to help offset the costs of staff time.  If we do research for you, scans and information sent by email or File sharing platforms will not have additional charges. 

Documents can be transcribed if requested at the additional rate of £10 per page.

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Finding Us

The Archive is located at Holyoake House on Hanover Street in Manchester City Centre's Co-operative Quarter. Hanover Street is just across the road from Victoria Train Station and a short Metrolink (tram) ride to Shudehill from Manchester Piccadilly Station.

The building has an access ramp from street level and a lift.

We have no onsite parking; the closest public car park is NCP Printworks, Shudehill, M4 2AT.

Published: 22nd July, 2019

Updated: 9th May, 2023

Author:

Location: National Co-operative Archive, Holyoake House, Manchester, M60 0AS

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    We are based at Holyoake House in central Manchester. Visits must be booked in advance Contact us at [email protected]

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