LIVERPOOL city centre will have a temporary library while the Central Library is closed for 2½ years for a £50m redevelopment.

City officials said it was important that a presence was maintained to make sure the spirit of Central Library was kept alive during its closure.

Yesterday, the project passed a key milestone when the revamp was given planning permission and listed building consent by the city’s planning committee.

The plans include a new forecourt with outside cafe space, a rooftop terrace and meeting rooms.

Stonework and masonry will be restored and specially lit at night and, inside, there will be a 24-hour service for returning books and using computers and a coffee shop.

The Grade II-listed parts of the building, which date back to 1850, will be restored to their former glory, while newer extensions will be demolished completely.

There will be a soundproof “games pod” for teenagers and Wi-Fi connection and downloading facilities.

Liverpool Records Office – the biggest outside London – will be expanded to accommodate a further 20 years of acquisitions in state-of-the-art protective facilities.