Levenshulme Library Opens Again

Levenshulme Library on the ground floor of the Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre on Stockport Road will open again tomorrow (Monday 14 September).

Opening Times and Contact Details:

  • Monday, Wednesday 10am to 3pm
  • Saturdays 11am to 3pm
  • Library available for use by over 60s from 10am to 11am
  • Phone:  0161 227 3725

Changes to using the library

When visiting the library, you will be asked to give your name and a contact number. All libraries have been asked by Government to collect the following information, to assist with the control of the Covid-19 pandemic. This information will be shared with NHS Test and Trace where requested, to identify people who may have been exposed to the virus.

Residents can have up to 30 minutes to browse for books, or can select and reserve up to six books for collection from their chosen library.

Computers are also available for public use. Due to limited availability, residents wishing to use a computer are encouraged to call their library in advance to book a slot.

Books which were borrowed before libraries were forced to close in March have been renewed until 22 September, so residents will not have incurred fines during this period.

To help ensure social distancing, the numbers of users allowed inside each library at one time will be limited, so it may be necessary to queue outside the library at busy times. Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent, carer or older sibling.

Library users can reserve books to be picked up, using the online libraries catalogue or using one of the following options:

  • Ring and Read – get help to find books which you might enjoy by calling one of the libraries that are opening
  • Click and Collect, using www.manchester.gov.uk/libraries

Free Newspapers and Magazines via Manchester Libraries

PressReader

If you are a member of Manchester Libraries, you can access the website or app PressReader. There are over 5000 newspaper and magazine titles from more than 100 countries, in over 60 languages for free!

All the UK newspapers are there, including the Independent, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph and The Guardian.

To sign up you just need your library card and pin number. You can access PressReader on your PC or download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Just click here for all the info.

Newsbank

Newsbank is another website available for free offering a digital range of regional and international English language newspapers, including The Manchester Evening News , The Guardian , The Times , The Daily Mirror , The Daily Mail , and The Daily Express . 

Includes international newspapers such as The New York Times , The South China Morning Post (Hong Kong), The Times of India , The Nation (Islamabad), and The Irish Times . 

All you have to do is go to the website and type in your library card number. 

If you don’t have a Manchester Libraries card but still want to access the site, you can now sign up for a temporary library card and the wonderful people at Newsbank will give you full access! 

Register for a temporary library card here.

Community Takeover At Levenshulme Old Library

Three years ago the community of Levenshulme stood it’s ground and made clear that it was not willing to lose this fabulous community asset, the old library. They campaigned, organised, planned and worked together, as a community.

This morning at 1030hrs in the old library Levenshulme Old Library Charitable Incorporated Organisation signed an agreement with Manchester City Council and took over the library building.

To the many people in this community that have been involved, please accept a most sincere and very heartfelt thank you.

Levenshulme now has an art centre.

#MadeItHappen

If you’d like to have a say in the future of the old library by becoming a member, or become a volunteer, please click here:

Membership/Volunteer

Levenshulme Old Library Group Fundraiser

‘Supper Club’ fundraiser for the Levenshulme Old Library Group – 11th February 2017, 7pm till late at St Mary’s Church Hall, Elbow Street, M19 3PY.

Expect a 3 course feast (vegetarian options), with a complimentary glass of wine, live music from the Jazz Biscuits, dancing and entertainment. 

To get your tickets for what promises to be a simply fabulous evening click HERE

Or get in touch via our Facebook page – Levenshulme Old Library Group (LOL)

No entry without a ticket. 

Levenshulme Old Library Group Meeting

MEETING OF LEVENSHULME OLD LIBRARY GROUP AT THE BLUEBELL INN
THURSDAY 12TH JANUARY 7.30pm

As we hit 2017 the work to transform Levenshulme’s historic library building continues but we need help.

So far a small band of dedicated residents have sent a business plan to the council, spoken to potential stakeholders and raised money. It is now time for the community of Levenshulme to get involved and take this project to the next level.

If you would like to get involved please come to the meeting at the Bluebell, Cromwell Grove at 7.30pm to see how you can help.

With new energy and skills at the disposal of the group we will be able to create something new and exciting for Levenshulme. The library building deserves to be preserved and cherished by the community.

So, if you have something to offer or just want to see how the campaign is going please come down the Bluebell.

(Message from Levenshulme Old Library Group)

Levenshulme Old Library Group Meeting 11th October

Open meeting of the Levenshulme Old Library Group

Tuesday October 11th, 2016, 7.00-8.30pm

Klondyke Club, 1 Burnage Range, Manchester M19 2HQ

The Levenshulme Old Library Group is holding an open meeting on the 11th October, at 7pm, at the Klondyke (in the function room), to update the community, to celebrate what has been achieved and ask for your help to make this exciting but complex project happen.

We need your skills, your time and your support to help us move to the next level.

We look forward to seeing you on October 11th.

Levenshulme Old Library Group

Keep up to date on facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/LLBSG/ 

Website is
http://levenshulmeoldlibrary.org.uk/

An initial vision for the future of the library building can be downloaded here:

http://tinyurl.com/mpr8h6d 

LCA General Meeting 10/09/16

The next LCA General Meeting will be on Saturday 10th September, 14.15 in the Community Studio at Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre on Stockport Road.
As agreed at the last meeting this meeting will consider minor constitutional amendments as requested by an external funding body. As such this would technically make the meeting an Extraordinary General Meeting. The constitutional amendments are primarily to specify the quorum for meetings more explicitly.

Pleas and any reports or requests for agenda items (with supporting papers where possible) to Jeremy Hoad, LCA Secretary at secretary@levenshulmecommunity.org.uk

Levenshulme Old Library Public Meeting

Levenshulme Old Library group (LOL) has an open meeting on Tuesday 26th July at 7pm at Inspire (in the cafe) to update people on the good progress made recently. 

Free French At Our Fabulous Levenshulme Library

As part of the French literature week, Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre will be running a one off special story time and performance session for 0-5 year olds in French, that’s right in French.

The session will take place on Monday 11th July at 10:30-11:15

This is a free event and due to space limitation we advise you book in advance.

To reserve your place, please contact 0161 227 3707.

Learning a new language can be fun whatever your age!

Arcadia Library And Leisure Centre Consultation

Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre wants your views on how the Centre can develop to best meet the needs of our community and make best use of the fantastic facilities available in Levenshulme. So there’s a consultation. Do get involved.

This is what they say:
“As you will be aware, the centre opened in February and as a result of consultation carried out during the two years prior, the leisure programme from Levenshulme was transferred under the ‘lift and shift’ principle In the weeks since opening, we’ve received a small number of challenges regarding the existing leisure programmes.

In addition, leisure usage at Better, Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre is considerably higher than at Levenshulme, so over capacity of some sessions is being experienced.

We’d appreciate it if you would take a few moments to answer some questions about the centre, and your usage of it, in order for us to see whether there any changes required that could help improve the service and facilities that we currently deliver.”

If you use Arcadia please click HERE

If you haven’t used Arcadia yet please click HERE

You can also collect a survey form from the Arcadia reception.

The closing date for surveys to be returned to Arcadia or completed online is Sunday 3rd July 2016.

Levenshulme Old Library Fundraiser

Levenshulme Old Library Group are holding a fundraising event at the Klondyke (1 Burange Range) on Saturday 30th April 2016. Come along and support their work to save the old library and turn it into a valuable community resource.

Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre User Forum Meeting

The first meeting of the Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre User Forum has been confirmed. The invitation is provided below:
Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre User Forum

The first User Group meeting for Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre will take place in the Community Studio at Arcadia on Tuesday 8th March from 6pm to 8pm.

If you are interested in getting involved please contact reception and come along on the night. You can leave you details with one of our team, email arcadia@gll.org or call us on 0161 641 9911

We look forward to meeting you.

Andrew Smith

Partnership Manager – Manchester

  

Arcadia Library And Leisure Centre Is Now Open

After years of campaigns, consultations, marches, plans, occupations, letters, meetings, talking and even quite a bit of dancing the people of Levenshulme can now celebrate as our new Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre throws open its doors.

Here are a few photographs of the new Arcadia. These are the third set in the series of photographs recording the old Levensulme Baths, the original Levenshulme Library and now the new Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre.

Arcadia is a brand new £9.3m facility. It is managed and operated by Greenwich Leisure Limited under the Better brand through a contract with Manchester City Council. GLL are experts in managing leisure facilities. The facilities were built by Laing O’Rourke both on time and on budget. The quality and attention to detail is very impressive. Arcadia includes:

  • Community Library of 300 square metres including dedicated children’s library 
  • Over 20 free computers
  • Free wifi throughout the centre
  • Two swimming pools
  • Flexible changing rooms that can provide dedicated access to one pool for use by specific groups or for private hire 
  • Multipurpose Community Studio for exercise classes or community activities or meetings
  • 60 station gym with additional free weights
  • Sauna – up to 12 people
  • Steam room – up to 12 people
  • Disabled access throughout with a large lift and easy access for the pools
  • A buggy store

Arcadia stands as a wonderful facility and proof of what can be achieved when there is a genuine cooperative, positive collaboration between residents, our community, councillors, council officers, designers and developers.

This is our facility.

(All photographs copyright Jeremy Hoad)

   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

   

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
   

Save Money At The New Levenshulme Arcadia Library And Leisure Centre

Act now to save yourself money on membership at the new Arcadia Library Leisure Centre.

The old Leisure Centre closes on 18th February before the new one opens on 20th as the new Arcadia Centre. The pricing at the new Arcadia facilities has come as a surprise to people, particularly as we were assured pricing would be sensitive to the area and remain affordable.

But there is a way you can save a lot of money on membership…

If you join at the £18 a month rate at the existing Leisure Centre on Cromwell Grove this rate will continue at the new facilities. To keep this membership rate you MUST continue to renew your membership every month by cash or card in person. No direct debit option is available. If you miss a month you will be counted as having cancelled your membership and will have to renew at the £35 a month rate charged at the Arcadia Centre for use of all the facilities.

The £18 a month current membership includes:

  • swimming;
  • gym;
  • sauna;
  • steam room; and
  • classes.

Classes at Arcadia will be held in a dedicated multipurpose Community Room with a sprung floor and wall of mirrors.

Levenshulme Library which is also part of the new facilities is, of course free to use. There will also be access to free use of computers and free wifi at the new Arcadia.

Join now to save yourself over £200 a year on membership at the new Arcadia.


UPDATE 23/02/16

Statement from GLL today after councillors have asked for clarification of pricing structure for Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre:

“It has always been our intention to honour the membership benefits of those customers who have historically enjoyed using the facilities at Levenshulme Pools. Unfortunately during the migration period from Levenshulme to the new Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre there has been miscommunication in relation to the extended availability of the £18 membership previously available at Levenshulme.

As a gesture of goodwill, until the end of day on Friday 26th February, we will be happy to honour this rate to any of our customers who can demonstrate previous use of Levenshulme Pools.

Customers who believe that they are entitled to take up this offer yet are unable to prove their past use of Levenshulme will be looked at on a case by case basis. All applications should be made in person at Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre.

From Saturday 27th February only the new membership pricing structure for Arcadia Library & Leisure Centre will be available. This is in line with all the other comparable/ new leisure centres across Manchester including the Manchester Aquatics Centre”.


The Wait Is Almost Over For Our New Library And Leisure Centre

Not long to go until the new Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre opens on on Saturday 20th February on Stockport Road right in the heart of Levenshulme. Here’s a nice positive article in the Manchester Evening News.

Read the article HERE

  

Goodbye Levenshulme Library

Levenshulme Library closed its doors today for the last time after 112 years serving our community.

The library was opened in 1904 as a Carnegie Library and has provided a place of learning, support, education, entertainment and community events and meetings for over a century.

The library was going to close several years ago under council plans but Levenshulme residents campaigned long and hard to keep the doors open. We had marathon readings, occupations of the building, demonstrations and die-ins on the street outside. Art work from children across our community adorned the failings of the library and discussions and meetings were held with the council to save Levenshulme Library. In the end we won and kept the library open with Levenshulme High School for Girls renting the building several days a week. We spoke, the council listened and the library stayed open.

With the imminent opening of the Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre on Stockport Road the old library has now reached the end of that chapter in its story. Hopefully the building will find a new role as a community centre and facility for all sorts of exciting things but for now the doors have closed and the lights have gone off. The Levenshulme Old Library group conitinue to work to try and find a future for the building but for now the old Levenshulme Library is in the past.

Jeremy Hoad, Secretary of Levenshulme Community Association took one last look round the library and recorded a few images before the doors closed.

Levenshulme Library, 1904-2016

(All photographs copyright Jeremy Hoad)

   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 

Greater Manchester Libraries Unite With New Superservice

 Councils across Greater Manchester join together to share access to almost 3 million books from this weekend. 
Everyone living in Manchester, Bolton, Oldham , Rochdale, Salford, Stockport and Trafford will be able to borrow books from scores of sites across Greater Manchester – rather than just libraries in their own boroughs with Tameside council joining later this year.
This is perfect timing just before the new Levenshulme library opens on Saturday 20th February in the new £9.3m Arcadia Levenshulme Library and Leisure Centre on Stockport Road.

See the Manchester Libraries announcement HERE

Manchester Evening News article HERE

ITV News report HERE

  

Arcadia Library And Leisure Centre Opening Date

We are pleased to confirm that the new £9.3m Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre situated in the heart of Levenshulme on the A6 will open on Saturday 20th February 2016.

This will be the culmination of a long and hard fought campaign by the LCA and Levenshulme residents and groups to keep our existing baths and library open and then to replace them with new facilities.

This is an amazing success story in hard times. It is a story of a community coming together to fight for its facilities. It is a story of Manchester City Council working positively and productively with our community. It is a story of responsive and engaging council officers. It is a story of political differences and collective action. Above all, it is a success story that the people of Levenshulme should be proud of.

We hope to see as many people as possible celebrate the opening of Arcadia with us. Further details will be made available as soon as they are confirmed.

Here are a few photographs from December. This was during a tour after the LCA Community Forum Meeting. 

   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
    
    
    
    
    
   
Oh, and here is Jean Bernard and Jeremy Hoad. We could resist a trip in the lift.

  

Levy-Tea Christmas Social

The Levy-Tea Christmas social will be held on Wednesday 30th December, 15.00-17.00 at Levenshulme Library.

The Facebook page is HERE

  

Planning Forum Public Events

Levenshulme Neighbourhood Planning Forum (LNPF) public events.
Come along and find out about the LNPF and how our community can influence local planning issues.
What matters to you? Green spaces? Affordable housing? Improving our High Street? Supporting businesses for local jobs? Protecting buildings? Takeaways? Parking? Litter? Transport?
Everyone is welcome to get involved and help decide what the priorities and desires are for people who live and work in Levenshulme. This will become our plan for our community.
Saturday 31st October

09.30-16.30

Levenshulme Library (Cromwell Grove)
Thursday 5th November

15.00-19.00

Inspire Centre (Stockport Road)
Saturday 7th November

10.00-16.00

Levenshulme Market (Station Car Park)

  

Levenshulme Old Library Group Meeting 9th September

Next meeting of the Levenshulme Old Library (LOL) group:
Wednesday 9th September at 18.30 in the Library community room. 

Progress on the campaign will be reviewed.

Please come along if you want Levenshulme Library to be saved as a community venue. Meet nice people who care about our community, have your say and show your support.

Or keep up to date on facebook HERE

 

LCA Meeting – Saturday 12th Sept

The next meeting of the Levenshulme Community Association will be held on Saturday 12th September at Levenshulme Library starting at 14.15.

The meeting will include discussion of the current Levenshulme Library, development of the New Arcadia facilities, creation of the Levenshulme Neighbourhood Planning Forum, upgrading of the A6 and reports from LCA members.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

Levenshulme Community Association Meeting

This is a reminder that there is an LCA meeting this afternoon, Saturday 4th July, at 14.15 at Levenshulme Library. As always, everyone is welcome.

Friends of Levenshulme Station Meeting

The next meeting of Friends of Levenshulme Station is 6:30pm Wednesday 22nd July in Levenshulme Library Community Room.

Help Retain Levenshulme Library As A Community Centre – Public Campaign Meeting

There will be a meeting for the campaign to have Levenshulme Library converted into a community centre (once the library service moves out next year. )

Wednesday 8th July at 6pm at Levenshulme Library

Following the public meeting on the 16th June at Inspire, it was agreed to form a constituted community organisation, that in time could develop into a management organmisation for the library building.

Initially it will be a simple ‘un-incorporated association’ that can open a bank account to hold funds, form a wide membership of local people and elect people to help the community govern the association. Based on a charitable constitution, that can be developed further as plans evolve.

If you wish to support this exciting development and back the campaign please come along to the meeting above. We will be adopting our first constitution.

At the last meeting a number of other proposals were made:

  • To visit other buildings to find out what works, what doesn’t, what’s involved … whatever we can learn from them.
  • Undertake a survey of skills in our community that can contribute to the campaign.
  • Research the history of the Carnegie endowment, that provided the community with the building in the first place.
  • Network and connect with as many individuals, community groups, facilities, and interests in the community as we possibly can.
  • Invite Manchester City Council to meet with us, and offer whatever support they can to the campaign.
  • Find a good name and brand for the new facility… any designers, publicists, marketeers or PR people out there… your community needs you!!

Please come along. Everyone is welcome. “Meet nice people who care about our community, have your say and show your support.”

Keep up to date on facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/LLBSG/ 

(Message posted on behalf of Levenshulme Library Stakeholders Group)

Levy-Tea – Chat, Games, Tea and Cake

Levy-Tea: Saturday afternoon, 14.30-16.30 at Levenshulme Library on Cromwell Grove.

 

Levenshulme Neighbourhood Planning Forum Meeting 10th June

Following the recent information evening the Levenshulme Neighbourhood Planning Forum group are holding a meeting to talk about how to progress the Levenshulme Neighbourhood Planning Forum and look at how Northernden Neighbourhood Forum have established and run their Neighboruhood Forum.

Graham Pheby from Northernden Neighbourhood Forum will be attending to talk to us about their experience in setting up and running a Neighbourhood Forum.

Everyone is welcome.

When

Wednesday 10th June from 18.30-19.45
Where

Levenshulme Library Meeting Room.

Levenshulme Food and Drink Festival Hits the News

Manchester Evening News reported on the Levenshulme Food and Drink Festival.

There will be more than 75 events across the village between Friday, June 12 and Sunday, June 21.

Fred’s Ale House owner and Levenshulme Pub Company director, Lawrence Hennigan, said: “It looks like another fantastic line up of events, the festivals organisers need to be commended on the huge variety of events they have managed to include in the celebration of the area’s diverse cultures.

Read the full article HERE
Visit the Fadfest website HERE

Levenshulme Library News & Public Meeting

An article from the Manchester Evening News on the future of Levenshulme Library and the work of the Stakeholders Group set up to explore options is available HERE

It is a little unfortunate the article advertises the fundraiser on Friday 29th in an article published on Saturday 30th but any coverage is very welcome.

Note also that there are a couple of factual errors in the article:

1 The new baths and library facility is scheduled to open in Spring 2016, not Autumn 2015.

2 Levenshulme High School never took over the building. The school simply rented the space to use for part of the week. Local campaigning was essential to ensure the library stayed open as a library until the new facilities open.

A public meeting is also scheduled for Tuesday 16th June, 19.00-21.00 at Levenshulme Inspire on Stockport Road. Further information and discussion is also available on a Facebook group at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/LLBSG/

  
  
Photo courtesy of Manchester Evening News

Levenshulme Library Fundraiser

The fundraising party for Levenshulme Library is on right now at the Klondyke (1 Burnage Range of Albert Road).

Come join the fun!

  

New Neighbourhood Planning Forum Event

A new Neighbourhood Planning Forum is being proposed for Levenshulme. This is a community group that develops a Neighbourhood Plan for our area that would identify our priorities and key concerns regarding planning and development in our area.

It is hoped that as many people as possible get involved in the Levenshulme Neighbourhood Forum. To help achieve this aim an Information Evening will be held as follows:

When
19.00 on Thursday 21st May 2015
(The event will last no more than two hours)

Where
The Inspire Centre, 747 Stockport Road, Levenshulme, Manchester, M19 3AR

Anyone who lives or works in Levenshulme is welcome to come along. There will be experts from Locality who will make a short presentation outlining the process but the bulk of the evening will be for people to ask questions and find out what this is about and how Levenshulme can benefit.

Leaflets

An information leaflet and feedback form (see below) is being distributed that provides initial information and asks for your views. If you haven’t received one yet they are available at Inspire on Stockport Road and Levenshulme Library on Cromwell Grove.

You can download a PDF version of the leaflet HERE

Further information

More information is available on a new website (new and under development) HERE

   

 

Levenshulme Library Building Fundraiser

Levy Library Building Information Update


There will be a fundraiser to raise money and interest in the campaign to have Levenshulme Library converted into a community centre once the library service moves out next year.

Friday 29th May at the Klondyke club.
7.30-12pm.
Klondyke Club, Burnage range, Levenshulme (off Albert Road)
£5 entry… all proceeds to the campaign

There will also be a planning meeting to prepare on Wednesday 20th May at 7pm, also at the Klondyke…

Please come along, meet nice people who care about our community, have a good time and show your support.

Keep up to date on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LLBSG/ 

Share the fundraising event with your friends and spread the word:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1578576752410405/

  

LCA Election Results and 2015-16 Priorities

The LCA AGM this afternoon included elections with the following results:

Officers

  • Peter Naughton (Chair)
  • Jeremy Hoad (Secretary)
  • Malcolm Cowen (Treasurer)

Core Group Members

  • Matthew Ball
  • Karen Broady
  • Lawrence Hennigan
  • Mark Lake
  • John Roby Brown

Sir Gerald Kaufman MP (LCA Honorary President) was generous in his praise of Levenshulme’s diversity, initiative and identity as a fantastic place to live and work. He was particularly impressed with the strength of the LCA and the many other community groups across Levenshulme. He stressed the importance of having active and engaged residents that form the basis of a cohesive and mutually supportive community.

The meeting identified key areas for the work of the LCA over the coming year including:

  • finding a future for the Levenshulme Library building;
  • increasing community engagement;
  • ensuring active community involvement in the development of the new Arcadia Leisure Centre;
  • sharing information both online and through distributed means to reach as many people as possible;
  • building on the larger LCA membership of the past year;
  • providing more events such as the very successful LCA Community Forum meetings;
  • providing information on community funding opportunities and sources;
  • enabling and supporting greater involvement in the LCA from currently less represented groups in line with LCA key aims of inclusiveness;
  • exploring how to improve access at Levenshulme Station;
  • strengthening, developing and promoting Levenshulme as a great place to live, work and play.

LCA Officers and the Core Group will develop these ideas into firm proposals and practical priorities for 2015-16.

We are grateful to the support and hard work of the many groups that we collaborate with in Levenshulme and look forward to another positive and productive year for the benefit of all Levenshulme residents.


Levenshulme Community Association AGM 14th March 2015

The Annual General Meeting of the Levenshulme Community Association will take place at 14.15 on Saturday 14th March at Levenshulme Library on Cromwell Grove.

The AGM will receive annual reports and hold elections to the posts of Chair, Secretary and Treasurer and the ordinary positions on the LCA Core Group.

There will also be time for discussion of regular business.

Further information will follow.

New Community Funding From Laing O’Rourke

A message from Laing O’Rourke

We’re delighted to invite you the launch of the Laing O’Rourke Cash4Graft funding programme which is to take place from 18.00-20.00 on Tuesday 24th February 2015 at Laing O’Rourke offices at:
3 Archway, Birley Fields, Manchester, M15 5QJ

This exciting new fund focuses on supporting residents in the south Manchester area to come together to identify projects that will benefit their community and get together to deliver those projects. The programme will support grassroots community projects in and around the Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre development scheduled to be opened next year for sums from £50 to £250 which can kickstart great initiatives that make our neighbourhoods happier, healthier and safer places to live.

Laing commitment to engaging with local communities where it delivers projects is essential to their ethos and their corporate social responsibility strategy and the launch of this programme means that they can deliver real impact at a local level. – making a difference where you live!

This strength-based approach looks at what’s strong and not what’s wrong in communities – residents coming together to develop great ideas – and support existing groups that already deliver real impact in south Manchester neighbourhoods.

Please feel free to invite fellow community groups to what promises to be
an informal event where we can talk to you about the programme, how
you can get involved and how you can apply for funding from the programme. Forever Manchester is working in partnership with Laing O’Rourke to deliver this programme.

We’d be delighted to see you there and it would be great if you could e-mail me back to let me know that you can make it.

We look forward to meeting you.

Jean Mills
Head of Business Development

Email: jean@forevermanchester.com
Web: forevermanchester.com
Twitter: @JeanieFM

——–
(Google Maps link HERE)

LCA meeting today

Levenshulme Community Association meeting this afternoon – 14.15 at Levenshulme Library.

A New name for a New centre in Levenshulme

At the first Levenshulme Community Forum meeting organised by the LCA recently it was agreed that it would be a good idea to have a community consultation about a possible new name for the new Arcadia facilities. It was also agreed that the “Arcadia” name should be retained by the skating groups that have moved to Ardwick Sports Hall. After discussion and an offer by Lydia Meryll of the Levenshulme Youth Forum it was decided that that group would contact councillors to propose and organise this (the consultation isn’t being organised or managed by the LCA itself).

For information please find below a message posted by Beth Marshall to the Levy Massive Facebook group:

A New name for a New centre in Levenshulme

Cllr Rosa Battle has asked for suggestions for the name for the new Centre. Arcadia roller Hockey group has asked to retain that name as they are known internationally by that title and want to take it with them

Here are three proposals so far:
The Three-in-One Centre – from Levy Youth Project Forum
The Jeremiah O’Brien Centre – from Hard Rain Poets
The Sonny…… centre – as she was our woman who was first to swim the Channel

Dies anyone know how to make a doodle poll? If so, please can all proposals go to you?!

If not, Lydia is happy to receive proposals for names and to send them all out again for a “Vote” by the end of the week. – end of Friday 29th Aug

We have til 1st Serpt to come up with a short list.

Please send ideas to Lydia-Meryll@outlook.com

Levenshulme Community Forum Public Meeting

The Levenshulme Community Forum public meeting will take place on Friday 25th July, 19.00 at the Klondyke Club (1 Burnage Range, Levenshulme).

The meeting is about the future of our current library after the library moves to the new Arcadia building in 2015.

Other issues can be raised as well. The focus is on ideas for the library as a community facility but this is an open public meeting for all residents of Levenshulme so bring your ideas and issues along.

New Library and Baths Exhibition

The new Levenshulme Library and Baths development on Stockport Road is now ready for public exhibition.

Plans for the proposed centre design will be on display in the cafe at Levenshulme Inspire from Saturday 14th June to Thursday 26th June, where there will be a chance for you to comment on the proposals.  Members of the project team will also be there for you to discuss the plans, on:

  • Tuesday 17 June, 16.00-20.00
  • Friday 20 June, 13.00-16.00
  • Monday 23 June, 09.00-13.00

There is a dedicated page on Manchester City Council’s website HERE.

Plans for the new development will be available HERE from 14th June.

This is an exciting stage in the development and close attention has been paid to ensuring that the new facilities meet all of the requirements and specifications worked out through lengthy and detailed consultation with Levenshulme residents over the past year or more. The new facilities will include:

  • two pools (one that can be accessed and used in private)
  • a 60 station gym
  • a multipurpose fitness / community room
  • 12 person sauna
  • 12 person steam room
  • a staffed library
  • reception area with seating, pool viewing, public computers and wifi

Manchester City Council will be investing over £8,000,000 in these new facilities that will dramatically improve services in Levenshulme and serve a wide area of south Manchester.

Relocation of users of the Arcadia roller skate rink will happen in tandem with development of the new facilities. A £250,000 investment is being made separately by the Council to enhance, extend and improve facilities for Arcadia users at Ardwick.

This commitment to public services in Levenshulme by Manchester City Council at a time of austerity and struggle for many people is hugely welcome. This is also a result of the massive local campaign to save Levenshulme’s existing Baths and Library from closure which was a huge success for the people of Levenshulme. The creativity, dynamism, imagination, persistence and dedication of Levenshulme residents and careful collaboration with local councillors and the council is really showing dividends now.

Levenshulme Community Association will continue to consult with residents and work with the council to ensure the best possible outcome for the people of Levenshulme.

A press release from Manchester City Council is expected tomorrow (Friday 7th June 2014) and will be added here when available.

Levy Tea on 14th April at Levenshulme Library

The next Levy Tea will be held at Levenshulme Library on Monday, 14th April, 15.30-16.45.

Levenshulme Community Association Meeting

The next LCA meeting will take place as follows:

DATE:
Saturday 7th December

TIME:
10.00

VENUE:
Levenshulme Library

We hope people from as many groups as possible across Levenshulme will come along to raise and discuss any issues and share information.

If you have an item for the agenda please notify Jeremy Hoad, LCA Secretary (you can use the contact form on this site). Any agenda items must be received by 17.00 on Thursday 5th December.

New library scheme for entrepreneurs and residents

The new programme of support will be put in place after Arts Council England approved a joint bid by Greater Manchester’s ten authorities for £45,000 of funding.

Under the Start Up Engines project, which will be managed by Manchester City Council, enterprising residents will be able to access a wide range of information through a virtual ‘Flatpack’, which will offer all the help a prospective businessperson could need to turn their ideas into reality – including how-to guides, strategy ideas, free web tools and apps.

Residents will also be offered the chance to use their libraries to meet up and exchange ideas, either by using available meeting spaces or virtually, through the creation of online enterprise communities.

A programme of 50 events is planned, which will bring top business brains to Greater Manchester to act as role models for the next generation, as well as offering practical help on the nuts and bolts of getting your business off the ground.

Read the full announcement HERE

 

Levenshulme Library Children’s Book Swap

Soon to be announced –  the launch of Levensulme Library’s first children’s book swap! So keep your eyes open for information and dates over the next couple of weeks.

Also if anyone is interested in helping out on the day e.g. with supervising children then please get in touch. It would be greatly appreciated, as this event will be run and supported by volunteers, and sponsors, and can only continue if we have enough volunteers on the day. Events like this are keeping the library alive, and if succesful, will help the library access funding for ongoing future events!

If you are interested the please get in touch with Chloe Amponsah via the Levenshulme Locals Book Fair facebook page HERE.

levenshulme library childrens' book swap

Levenshulme Reading & Book Group

The Levenshulme reading/book group meets on the last Wednesday of every month at Levenshulme library.

Time: 18.15 to 19:45

It Is a social group where a book is chosen each month and then discussed the following month.

The next meeting is Wednesday 25th September and the book that will be discussed is ‘Hard Times’ by Charles Dickens.

Do come along for a cuppa and a chat about books.

LCA Meeting Saturday 21st September 2013

There will be a meeting of the Levenshulme Community Association as follows:

DATE:    Saturday 21st September 2013

TIME:     10.30-12.30

PLACE:  Levenshulme Libary, Cromwell Grove, M19 3QE

NOTE: The meeting is earlier than usual because of the current opening hours of the library.

Levenshulme High School and Library Developments

Newspaper reports today confirm the suspension of Amanda Thain (Head, Levenshulme High Schools for Girls) by the Governing Body of the school. This follows an Ofsted inspection earlier this year which resulted in the appointment of Patsy Kane (Head, Whalley Range High School) as Executive Head at the school.

There is concern at what impact this will have on plans for Levenshulme Library and LHS taking on the building, running the library and developing a school facility for pupils until the new library opens in 2015. To date no work has been undertaken regarding the conversion of the library for use by the school.

Assurances had been provided by Cllr Rosa Battle (Executive Member for Culture and Leisure) that the plans for Levenshulme Library were unaffected following the appointment of Patsy Kane as Executive Head at LHS after an Ofsted inspection and report in July.

Jeremy Hoad (Levenshulme Community Association Secretary and Chair of the Friends’ of Levenshulme Library) said: “It is not wise to jump to conclusions based on newspaper reports but it is wise to determine progress on the Library plans and ongoing commitment to these plans in light of the different circumstances at the school now. I am attempting to clarify the situation with Neil MacInness (Head of Libraries), Rosa Battle and Levenshulme and Gorton South Councillors.”

Further updates will be provided as the situation becomes clearer.

Read the Manchester Evening News article HERE

Read the Daily Mail article HERE

Send us your news!

Do you have news about something going on in Levenshulme?

Are you organising an event?

Do you run or support a community organisation?

Please send us your news, information, event or details of your organisation and we’d love to add you to the Levenshulme Community Association website or publicise what you are doing.

Get in touch and share what you know about Levenshulme!

Contact the LCA HERE

Thanks.

Jeremy Hoad (LCA Secretary)

Development Proposal Threatens £6.5m Levenshulme Facilities

You may wish to consider commenting on or objecting to this application as it could compromise the presence, impact, accessibility and wider benefits to Levenshulme of the new £6.5m pools, gym, library and community facilities that will be built on the area immediately behind this site.

We need to maximise the benefits and presence of our marvellous new facilities for the benefit of all Levenshulme residents and visitors.

The applicants who submitted the previous application for a supermarket on the site of the Church Inn (874 Stockport Road) which was not approved, have now submitted a new application which will be considered by Manchester Council’s Planning Committee this Thursday 15 August 2013.

The meeting will be held in Manchester Town Hall starting at 14.00.

The new application is for the construction of 4 shops units with storage space on the 1st floor.

The Planning Department considers that this application meets the Council’s planning requirements and are recommending that the application be approved. The meeting is open to members of the public to attend and it is usual for the Chair to call someone to speak for and against each application.

Full details of the application can be found at the Council’s website through the Public Access Planning System. Enter the reference number in the search box to access the application. The application reference number is:

102683/FO/2013/N2

If you register with the Planning System you can leave a comment on the application.

 

An amazing future for libraries and learning in Levenshulme

Levenshulme people fought to save our library and we will have a new library in 2015 as well as a lifelong learning centre and support facility for pupils run by Levenshulme High School in the current building.

An amazing future for libraries and learning in Levenshulme.

Interesting article in The Guardian yesterday, “A library is not just about books: it’s also a place for the vulnerable”, available HERE.

Baths, Library and Arcadia redevelopment community meeting

The next community meeting to discuss the multi-million pound redevelopment of facilities in Levenshulme will take place on Friday 26th July at 19.00 in Inspire on Stockport Road.

This meeting will be preceded by a ‘planning challenge’ meeting (15.00-17.00 at Inspire) where users of the Arcadia Sports Hall will present their plans on how all facilities can be fitted onto the Stockport Road site.

The council’s proposal is to build a new combined facility containing two swimming pools, a gym, a multipurpose fitness and community room and a full library on the Stockport Road site. The council maintains that it is not possible to retain the old Arcadia building and fit the new facilities on the same site and has proposed that users of the Arcadia are relocated to the Mount Road Sports Hall currently used by the Gorton Boxing Club and the Grange School. The boxing club would be relocated to the new Belle Vue development and the building would be adapted based on the needs of existing Arcadia users using funding from the £6.5m allocated to the new Levenshulme facilities.

The meeting on the 26th July is an opportunity for Arcadia users to challenge the council’s proposals and present plans / proposals that they have developed.