The listed landmark will be given an all-singing, all-dancing send-off on Sunday, January 14.

It will close the following day for a £250m repair and maintenance programme that will include upgrades to its heating, electrical and lift systems, alongside urgent structural and restoration work needed to safeguard its long-term future.

The treasure is not then expected to reopen until 2024.

Staff have already been moved out of the landmark ahead of its restoration, including into the town hall extension. Councillor Newman will then become the first lord mayor in the city’s history to be based in Central Library rather than the town hall.