Sketched by Alfred Waterhouse in 1859, the building stands two storeys high and features prominent dormer windows. It was originally conceived to serve multiple civic purposes: to accommodate the town’s inhabitants and to provide a suitable venue for both a market and a corn exchange.
Internally, the building was divided into three distinct sections:
A portion was allocated to the Sandbach Literary and Scientific Institute.
A second section served as a reading room and library, administered by the Institute.
The third area was dedicated to the Corn Exchange.
At the time of its opening, the ground floor housed reading rooms, while the principal upper room was used for social events such as balls and concerts, as well as for public meetings, the Petty Sessions, and the Highways Board.
The original charitable trust behind the Institute was established shortly after the building’s completion. On 11 December 2001, this trust was converted to a formal charitable scheme, now known as THE LITERARY INSTITUTION, SANDBACH, registered charity number 510666. The scheme replaced the original trust deed and remains the governing document of the charity. The trust is not to be confused with the building, which retains the name “The Sandbach Literary Institute”.
Remarkably, the Literary Institute remains largely unchanged since its construction. It stands today as an outstanding example of a 19th-century community building, with minimal alterations over time. A significant portion of the ground floor is currently let to a local quality care service provider, while the primary upper room continues to host community groups and occasional meetings. This space retains its original architectural features, including Sir George Gilbert Scott’s signature coffered, barrel-vaulted ceiling.
The building is managed by a dedicated group of volunteer Trustees, each bringing a range of professional expertise. They are committed to the preservation and enhancement of the Institute, working under the oversight of the Charities Commission, with the aim of restoring its role as a valuable and vibrant community resource.
Charitable Objective
The provision and maintenance of a public building for use by the inhabitants of the area of benefit without distinction of political, religious or other opinions, including use for: a) meetings, lectures and classes, and b) other forms of recreation and leisure-time occupation, with the object of improving the conditions of life for the inhabitants. 2) the land identified in part 2 of the schedule to this scheme must be retained by the committee for use for the object of the charity.
Vision Statement
The Trustees envision The Literary Institute as a completely restored and fully accessible heritage building, continuing its role as a welcoming hub for culture, learning, and community life in Sandbach.
Rooted in its rich history, our aim is to preserve the character of this cherished landmark while expanding its use for local groups, enriched learning and supporting local businesses. By offering a wider range of events and activities, we will bring more people through its doors and strengthen its place in the centre of the town and in the heart of the community.
Through sustainable funding and through thoughtful stewardship we will ensure the Institute is well maintained and ready to serve future generations —honouring its past while meeting the needs of today’s diverse and inclusive community.
