Unheim-Lit Spoken Word

To mark International Women’s Day, Levenshulme Old Library bring you Unheim-Lit, an evening of strange and uncanny spoken word.

Come and hear the readings from award-winning writers Abi Hynes and Gaynor Jones, supported by a coven of Manchester’s finest women writers.

The Talleyrand, will be on hand with refreshments. Men are very much welcome – nay keenly encouraged – to attend and support their strange sisters.

Featuring:

Abi Hynes is an award-winning drama and fiction writer. Her recent writing credits include Anne of Green Gables, an audio drama for Audible starring Sandra Oh and Catherine O’Hara, and Monstrous Longing, collection of short stories

Gaynor Jones is the author of Among These Animals. She has won the Northern Writer’s Award, the Bath Flash Fiction Prize and the Mairtín Crawford Short Story Award, among others.

Tickets are free – although we do recommend a minimum donation of £5 for those who can afford it so we can continue to provide our neighbourhood with artistic activities and opportunities like this.

Hate Crime Awareness

Levenshulme Inspire is holding a hate crime awareness day on Wednesday 7 February as part of hate crime awareness week. There will be an opportunity to meet and talk to various groups and organisations and hear from them and ask questions.

Drop in anytime between 12.00-14.00. Speakers will be in at 12.00. Refreshments provided.

Save Our Station Ticket Office

Levenshulme Station Ticket Office is under the threat of being closed.

What is being proposed and why?

Northern Rail operates Levenshulme train station and is proposing to close Levenshulme Station Ticket Office and leave us with only a ticket machine. This would be a permanent closure of the ticket office.

Full details of the proposed ticket office closure are available HERE.

You can download a PDF summary of the ticket office closure proposals here:

Northern Rail says:

“We know that stations will play an important part of our vision, which is why we will make sure that they better serve all our customers as well as the local communities that live around them.”

Northern rail, july 2023

Northern Rail’s claim it will “better serve all our customers” by closing Levenshulme Station ticket office is nonsense. That is not better service. It is bad enough that we still have no step free access at Levenshulme Station. It is unacceptable to close our ticket office as well for reasons of safety, accessibility, information, ticket sales and advice.

Ticket sales at Northern Rail operated stations are almost 50% higher than the national average. People depend on the ticket office and the staff for help, advice and information. Ticket machines cannot provide the same services.

How to respond:

The consultation is open now but it ends very soon so please respond as soon as possible with your comments. The consultation is managed by Transport Focus, the independent transport user watchdog, on behalf of Train Operating Companies.

The deadline for responding to the consultation is 23.59 on 28 July.

Remember to name Levenshulme Station in your response.

If you would like to know more about the consultation process and what happens next please go to transportfocus.org.uk

Levenshulme Community Association has already committed to write to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, Manchester City Council Leader Bev Craig, our MP Afzal Khan and our local councillors, Zahid Hussain, Dzidra Noor and Basat Sheikh to seek their commitment to oppose the proposed closure of Levenshulme Station Ticket Office. We will also be working with the Friends of Levenshulme Station to campaign against this proposal. We will also say that such a short consultation is not acceptable and must be extended.

Manchester Piccadilly Station Ticket Offices also to be closed

Please note that Manchester Piccadilly Ticket Offices are also threatened with permanent closure. They are operated by Avanti West Coast. You can out information and respond to that proposed closure HERE.

Please join us in campaigning to SAVE OUR STATION TICKET OFFICE.

Levenshulme Youth Project Cultural Celebration Day

Levenshulme Youth Project are holding a Cultural Celebration Day at Levenshulme Inspire on Saturday 24 June 2023, 12.00-14.00.

Workshops:

  • Music
  • Henna
  • Face painting
  • T-shirt design
  • Jewellery making

Plus food from around the world.

Tribute to Paul Colton

We are sad to hear that Paul Colton has died. Paul did so much for so many people at Manchester Roller Hockey Club over many years. Our condolences to all Paul’s family and friends.

It seems only yesterday that we worked with Paul and so many others from our community when the old Arcadia building and site was redeveloped into the Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre. As part of that fight we insisted that a new home was found for the Roller Hockey Club and remember Paul’s absolute dedication to the Club and everyone who got so much from it. That was some years ago now but links have been maintained and both Paul and Manchester Roller Hockey Club will always have a place in the hearts of the people of Levenshulme.

The following tribute is reproduced by kind permission of Manchester Roller Hockey Club.

Continue reading

Job Opportunity At Levenshulme Old Library

Levenshulme Old Library is currently recruiting for a Finance and HR Manager.

This is a part time role within a small team, all of whom are local Levy residents who are working to restore our historic library building, transforming it into a welcoming and affordable space for the community where they can also have some high quality artistic experiences.

Levenshulme Old Library needs a special someone to help them grow, reaching more people and bringing them more activities and opportunities. They’re looking for someone who has some experience of managing finances and HR and is keen to support what Levenshulme Old Library does. For further information and to apply click HERE.

Deadline: 11:59pm on Wednesday 21st June

Levy Choir Free Taster Session

Levy Choir are welcoming new members!

Come along for a free taster session on 11 June to see if this is for you! 18.00-19.30 at Levenshulme Old Library.

• No audition

• No previous singing experience needed.

• Highly inclusive

• Upbeat/uplifting repertior

• One of the friendliest bunch of people you’ll ever meet!

Levy Choir Spring Sing Concert

Levy Choir’s next concert takes place on Saturday 13th May @5pm. This gives you plenty of time to get back for your Eurovision party!!

Take a look at the link below for tickets and more info.
Uplifting feel-good pop songs through the decades – promises to lift your spirits! Funds raised will go to a local charity!

Find out more and book tickets HERE

Volunteering Website Launch

A new website is being launched that will provide information on volunteering opportunities in Levenshulme. This has been organised by Levenshulme Old Library, Levenshulme Inspire and AllFM.

The launch event takes place on Saturday 11 March at Levenshulme Old Library, 13.00-15.00. Refreshments available from Grounded MCR and art workshop by Laurie Pink.

Inspire Taskforce Crowdfunder

The Inspire Taskforce at Levenshulme Inspire is running a crowdfunder. Find out more and donate HERE

Why are we raising money?

This winter is going to be a hard one for us all, but none more so than for our older people. As energy prices and food prices sky rocket, older people on fixed incomes will have to make difficult choices in order to keep themselves healthy and warm over the winter. Older people are at increased risk of hypothermia when the room temperature drops below 16 C.
As costs continue to increase we want to help older people avoid the difficult decisions that would otherwise mean they are left without heating or food this winter and our Warm Spaces project would allow us to reduce the living costs for many older people by giving them a warm, safe environment with food options over winter.

What will we do with the raised money? 

The Inspired Taskforce already provides activity sessions on 3 days a week and we would like to expand this to 5, so that every weekday throughout the months of winter, there is an option to come and sit in a Warm Room and drink a Hot Brew with friendly companions.
We will have many options of activity on the day, from Sewing, Knitting, board games, arts & crafts and much more – Similar to our already currently running Happy Mondays Social Group.

The Inspired Taskforce’s mission is to make the world a better place for older people – starting with our own backyard in Levenshulme and Gorton.

Levenshulme Old Library Art Clubs

The LOL Arts Clubs return next Monday with another fantastic Collage Club from the mighty @LHP_collageart

The LOL Art Clubs are free to attend, materials are supplied and all adults are welcome. So next Monday head down to Levenshulme Old Library.

LOL Art Clubs are intended to put our community space to good work for the local artist community here in Levenshulme. 

We’ll be running the following weekly sessions

Collage Club – first Monday of the month 

Come down and create a collage, using photos, magazines, postcards and, well, pretty much anything to express yourself. Run by Katie AKA LocalHotelParking, a local artist whose studio is in the Old Library building and whose incredible collage work will be familiar to regular customers at Levenshulme Market and beyond.

Crotchet Club – second Monday of the month

Join Sophie Benson to learn about crochet and clothing repairs. Bring along your knitting, embroidery, dressmaking, macrame, cat’s cradle or anything else fabric-related for a stitch’n’ditch (the fast fashion) experience.

Zine Club – third Monday of the month

A zine is a DIY book, designed, created and bound by its maker and usually produced in small batches, giving people the means of producing a publication dedicated to their passion. These sessions are run by our very own Levy zinesters Hette and Adam from Let’s Make Zines. Come and learn techniques for repurposing paper into a range of sketchbooks and booklets, and expect to be challenged to fill them!.

Art Club – fourth Monday of the month
Hosted by a range of facilitators, come down for these sessions to talk about art, debate or learn about an element of art or art history, or a practical topic such as preparing for art markets. Bring among your own expertise and share with the group!

Everyone is welcome to attend – whether you’re a total novice or a professional artist, come down to Levenshulme Old Library for some top notch community creativity.

Further information available HERE

Levenshulme Community Choir

Ever thought about singing with a group of lovely people once a week? Levy Choir is launching the start of their autumn term on Sunday 11th September with a free open evening for anyone who is thinking of giving it a go

We explore all genres of music in a relaxed, fun and inclusive environment – no audition required. Previous performances have included music from the Beach Boys, Lady Gaga, Fleetwood Mac and Kate Bush, along with many other styles of choral music.

Come along for an evening of uplifting singing that will fill you with positivity whilst meeting a group of likeminded individuals!Why not come and give it a go – you may surprise yourself! There may also be some free biscuits thrown in – what have you got to loose?

Please share and spread the word to anyone who may be interested!

You can find Levenshulme Community Choir on Facebook and Instagram.

Manchester Library Of Things Volunteer Call

A message from the new Manchester Library of Things at Levenshulme Old Library.

We need a bigger team of volunteers! If you have some free time and want to help us open Manchester’s first Library of Things, please come to our next online meeting on 27th July at 7.30pm.

Drop us a message or email info@mcrlot.com for the link, or to find out more.

Coming soon to #Levenshulme…MCR’s first Library of Things!

MCRLoT is your community shed: full of things you need, but don’t want to buy. You can borrow everything from power tools + pizza ovens to carpet cleaners + jet washers.

Help Clear The Ground For The New Manchester Library Of Things

Manchester Library of Things Ground Clearance Day

Volunteers needed! We need all hands on deck at Levenshulme Old Library on Saturday 11th June 10.00-14.00 to help us get the grounds ready for our shipping container.

This is where we’ll keep all of the lovely Things for MCRLOT, and planning permission has now gone in – woohoo!

While we wait to hear back, we’ll be clearing and levelling the ground, and tidying up the library garden while we’re at it. We’d love as many people as possible to help us, so please come along and share this event!

What is the Manchester Library of Things?

Coming soon to Levenshulme… Manchester’s very first Library of Things!

MCRLoT is your community shed: bursting with things you need, but don’t want to buy. It works just like a normal library, you can borrow whatever you like – from power tools and pizza ovens to carpet cleaners and camping equipment.

Together, we can have more, save money and protect the planet.

Check out our new website here: www.mcrlot.com

A Portrait of Levenshulme

Reminder that this exhibition is on today at Levenshulme Old Library until 3pm. Thanks to Ciara Leeming and Laura Deane.

Friends of Levenshulme Station Meeting

The Friends of Levenshulme Station will hold a meeting on Wednesday 18 May 2022, 18.30-19.30 at Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre.

Levenshulme Old Library Volunteer Survey

Levenshulme Old Library has set up Levenshulme Community Hubs group, consisting of a range of community organisations in the area, and have been working behind the scenes to secure funding to improve volunteering in the area. They are currently conducting research into what is available in the area and what is needed, to support volunteer programmes.

As people working in and around the community, it would be really helpful to have your input in this survey, which should only take a couple of minutes to complete:

Go to the survey HERE

Please also share with anybody living and/or working in the Levenshulme area so that LOL can get a good picture of what they need to do!

Thanks so much for your help!

Lifeguard / Leisure Assistant job at Arcadia

There is a full time job advertised for a full time Lifeguard/ Leisure Assistant at Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre. Anyone interested please see details below to apply.

Details are also available on the GLL website HERE (scroll to the bottom of the page and do a search for jobs in Manchester).

Community Day At Levenshulme Old Library

Community Day at Levenshulme Old Library on 11th December 12pm-4pm

Levenshulme Old Library has linked up with Creative City to create a community sign that will go outside the library and would love people to join them in creating this, so save the date and come along. There will be cakes for sale and some food as well as some family yoga and massage tutorials

If you would like to come and support the creation of the sign run a craft activity or anything else please get in touch: LevOldLib@gmail.com

Levenshulme Good Neighbours Activities At Inspire

With restrictions easing we’re delighted to announce that LGN are helping to run activities in partnership with the Inspired Taskforce! Stop by the Cringle Suite in the Inspire Centre every Tuesday (747 Stockport Road), open to community members ages 55+.

  • Get your boogie on with Chair Exercise class
  • have a natter at Luncheon Club or
  • give your IT skills a refresh at Computer Buddies.

The chair based Dance Exercise takes place between 10.30 to 11.30 am, while Computer Buddies runs at 1.30 pm till 3.30 pm. And if you are feeling musical you can enjoy a good sing along with Choir at 2 pm!

Drinks cost just £1, and you can get a one pot lunch at 12.30 pm (veggie option available) for just £3. PLUS there’s a raffle, bingo and quiz from Roy. That’s an action packed Tuesday!

If you know an older person who would like to attend, please don’t hesitate to get in contact ray@levenshulmegoodneighbours.org.uk

Levenshulme Good Neighbours

Cibus Restaurant Opening in October

Levenshulme’s Cibus restaurant, run as a pop-up at Fred’s Ale House, is moving into new premises in what is currently the M19 Bar. People will also know Cibus from their stall on Levenshulme Market. Cibus Ristorante is scheduled to open on 14 October.

Cibus founder Giorgio Fontana has been working with Head Chef Marco Bracchitta to expand their menu and bring a complete Italian dining experience to their new restaurant. M19 is undergoing a full refit and will include refreshed, relaxed outside space at the rear with a “Balearic seaside shack” vibe.

Click HERE to read a report from Manchester Confidential including discussion of the history and development of Cibus and their approach to ingredients, wine and drink and their progress to their new restaurant in Levenshulme.

Levy Little Theatre Drama Classes

Levy Little Theatre classes are starting again in Levenshulme Old Library next week.

YOUTH / ADULTS – Weds 15th Sept

TOTS / KIDS – Sun 19th Sept

You still have time to book for one of our popular drama classes. Places are being grabbed fast so speedy booking is recommended!

You can find info on pricing, class times & course content and book places HERE

No previous experience in drama or performance needed, just a willingness to learn and have fun along the way.

Active Neighbourhood Update & Community Engagement Event

The Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood Project Team are planning an event. The Project Team has stated today (9 September 2021):

“We are hoping to hold a community engagement event around Late September/ Early October, in which people can give their thoughts and feedback on the Active Neighbourhood plans in person.”

The intention of the meeting is to provide:

…an opportunity to give thoughts and feedback on the existing filters and any future measures that may be put in place.

No date or time has been set for the meeting / event yet.

It is intended to hold the event “for Levenshulme” at Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre on Stockport Road. This suggests the Project Team might hold a separate event for Burnage. If this is the case Levenshulme Community Association will promote both events.

After Manchester City Council took direct control of the project and removed Sustrans and Levenshulme Bee Network in 2020 the project was split into two – Phase 1 for Levenshulme and Phase 2 for Burnage. No clear explanation has ever been provided as to why the project was fragmented in this way and changed along political ward boundaries.

Councillors have previously stated that a final plan for the project would be released in September and then put out to consultation. The Project Team has stated any final plan would not be released until it had been signed off and agreed by local councillors and Transport for Greater Manchester. Whether this community engagement event in September or October is to consider a final plan or is an opportunity for general discussion is unclear.

Levenshulme Youth Project AGM

Levenshulme Youth Project Annual General Meeting

  • 18.00-20.00 14 September 2021
  • Levenshulme Old Library, Cromwell Grove, M13 3QE

Levenshulme Market Future Secured

Levenshulme Market has secured its future for the next four years following approval of their planning application.

Planning permission has been granted for the the Market to operate for another four years. Although the market had originally hoped to extend its operation throughout the year and add Sunday markets and more Friday night markets to what it does the application has ended up with arrangements pretty much the same as are currently in place.

There is a blog post on the Levenshulme Market website by Richard Hirst, Market Manager, outlining their experience in securing the renewed operating permission. The post outlines with some frustration the bureaucracy involved, delays, and lack of support from both Manchester City Council and local councillors.

Although this experience does not appear to have been particularly positive for Levenshulme Market the main positive is that the future of the market has been secured at the heart of Levenshulme for several years to come.

“Levenshulme Market is here for another four years. Which is great news and an enormous relief. But the lesson for us is that, while Levenshulme Market may be thriving – with thousands of customers each week, awards under its belt, generating enormous high street footfall, organising financial projects to support our local area – there’s no assurance it won’t find its future at risk once again. We dearly hope we won’t have a repeat of this ordeal in future, but in four years’ time you could once again be called on to help- keep Levenshulme Market open.”

Levenshulme Market blog post, 12 july 2021

You can also read a report of Levenshulme Market’s success in securing its future in the MEN HERE

Levenshulme Market runs from March to December. Current dates are available HERE

Levenshulme Old Library Community Day Events

The Community Day at Levenshulme Old Library (17 July, 10.00-16.00) includes three sessions available to book.

Little Levy Theatre is also running a children mask making session from 11am.

LOL Community Day Sessions to book

Shake The Dust at 10am
Book HERE

Cosmic Kids Yoga 12.30pm
Book HERE

Family BreathWork and Meditation 2pm
Book HERE

Levenshulme Old Library Community Survey

Levenshulme Old Library is doing a community survey to support them in how to shape what happens at LOL.

Do complete the survey and encourage others to do so.

Go to the LOL community survey HERE

Levenshulme Old Library Community Day

Levenshulme Old Library is having a Community Day on 17 July.

Come and join us for a fun Community Day with lots of different activities throughout the day including Children’s Crafts, Family Yoga and Shake the Dust.

We will also have our Maker’s Fair in full swing and food provided by Squarebakes Jo and The Little Srilankan.

We also need your help! We are going to do some planting in the new and improved Levy Old Library Garden. If you would like to volunteer, we would love to see you.

Please email jen@levenshulmeoldlibrary.org.uk if you would like to volunteer!

As part of the day, we we will be asking for your feedback on what you think the diverse needs of our community are and how Levy Old Library can support the community. There will be opportunities for you to have your say on the community day!

Levenshulme Old Library Community Day

Talk About It Mate Men’s Group

Talk About It Mate is a peer-support community interest organisation, promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.

They are currently running FREE sessions for men on Thursday evenings, 19.00 at Levenshulme Old Library on Cromwell Grove. The evenings provide a friendly, open and non-judgemental space to talk/listen/connect.

Free Meals from Foodcycle at Inspire

Foodcycle is currently running a Cook and Collect takeaway service at the Inspire Centre on Stockport Road. So if you would like a free, nutritious cooked meal, you can come and collect every Thursday between 7:30pm – 8:30pm.

VOLUNTEER

FoodCycle Levenshulme is only made possible with the great volunteers giving their time, enthusiasm and energy. We have opportunities available for people to come along and cook, host guests and be involved in collecting the surplus food donations from local suppliers.

You don’t need to have any previous cooking experience, although if you do that is just as welcome! We want as many local volunteers as possible and everyone is welcome to be a part of FoodCycle Levenshulme.

Sign up online to volunteer at FoodCycle Levenshulme:  https://volunteer.foodcycle.org.uk/

For more information check out: https://www.foodcycle.org.uk/who-we-are/locations/

SHE MADE THAT Pop-Up Exhibition & Craft Market

SHE MADE THAT

Celebrating women makers.

A pop-up exhibition and mini craft market is coming to Levenshulme Old Library over the Bank Holiday weekend showcasing work made by @CreativeCityGM’s wonderful community of Manchester artists and crafters. wellbeing-boosting women’s projects, with gorgeous craft products for sale too.

Sat 29 & Sun 30 May, 12-4pm at Levy Old Library

Creative City’s projects use arts and crafts to boost confidence, wellbeing and resilience, and to amplify local voices. Empowering women and young people in Manchester. 

Instagram, Twitter and Facebook – @CreativeCityGM

Website: https://www.creativecity.org.uk

Levenshulme Community Directory

Over the past year Levenshulme Community Association has developed the Levenshulme Community Directory. This LCA project, developed and led by LCA Secretary Jeremy Hoad, is a resource for our community and promotes Levenshulme to the wider world.

The Community Directory shares information, supports community cohesion and links people together as well as supporting several key aims identified in the Levenshulme Community Manifesto.

The Directory provides listings organised into five themed sections as well as a complete A-Z page:

The Community Directory is a “live” resource and always open to additions and improvements. If you have anything you think should or could be added then please get in touch.

Expanded Levenshulme Market Secures Another Four Years

CORRECTION:

Unfortunately it appears this report was a little premature. The information is contained in a report to the council’s planning committee and was not the actual decision of the planning committee. Apologies for this mistake. It turns out what was reported was a planning officer’s report with a recommendation to approve the planning application. The decision was due yesterday (18/02/21) but has now been deferred to a future date to allow additional information to be submitted. We hope whatever clarifications required are secured. The current arrangements remain in place until August 2021.

————-

(Post edited to reflect the current situation pending a final decision by the council planning committee.)

The popular and successful Levenshulme Market operating as a Community Interest Company is here to stay [has submitted an application to continue] for another four years.

Manchester City Council approved [considered] the planning application today (18 February 2021) for an operating licence for Levenshulme Market for another four years. Not just as it is, though, as the market has big ambitions and will be operating throughout the year. These operating times were approved:

  • Fridays (up to 12 weeks a year) 16.00-22.00
  • Saturdays (52 weeks a year) 10.00-16.00
  • Sundays (up to 12 weeks a year) 10.00-17.00

The previous operating times for the market were:

  • Saturdays (March to December), 10.00-16.00
  • Fridays (ups to 10 days per year), 17.00-21.00

The market will [has applied to] continue to operate over the same area it currently uses across the southern half of the Levenshulme Station car park taking up approximately 50% of available parking spaces and providing 50 market stalls. The provision for 10 market stalls previously permitted on Levenshulme Village Green has been [would be] removed [under the new arrangements].

There are also plans to install a mains electricity supply for use by the market that will enable the current use of a generator to be phased out.

The decision [recommendation] includes this assessment:

“The operation market would give the district a distinctive retail offer that would contribute to the continued regeneration of the district centre, which would be particularly important to local economic recovery in the post-COVID period. The market is operated as a local social enterprise and many of its traders are from the surrounding area thereby demonstrating its links with the local area. It would also provide an important outlet for the sustained operation of local businesses. The development would present continued opportunities for social interaction and engagement across a diverse community.”

A new site management plan is to be agreed formalising the existing arrangements that also includes provision of stewards to direct vehicles and pedestrians, new signs and arranging remote parking for traders who do not require access to their vehicles so that the remaining parking spaces are fully accessible to the public when the market is operating.

Levenshulme Market Plan 2021

Fallowfield Loop Consultation Results

Fallowfield Loop Consultation Results

The recent consultation and engagement around the Fallowfield Loop and Yellow Brick Road allowed users to have their say on what they liked and disliked about the route and provide suggestions of how to improve the route in the future. There was an overwhelming response to the engagement exercise with over 5200 residents and users having their say.This was in part due to the  support provided by Friends of Fallowfield Loop, who helped promote the consultation and placeposters along the route.

People who took part told us that the existing urban greenway along the Fallowfield Loop and Stockport Branch Canal is cherished for its rural feel within an urban environment. Users feel like they can escape the hustle and bustle of the city into this secluded setting in the heart of Manchester. It does however have issues such as crime, anti-social behaviour, and fly tipping, which detract from its good points and make some users feel so vulnerable that they avoid using it.

Respondents told us that their priorities were:

  • Addressing personal safety and anti-social behaviour
  • Complimenting the existing habitat and biodiversity
  • Providing a more open route
  • Connecting to surrounding neighbourhoods
  • Revitalising the existing landscape to create more open and less intimidating environment for users.
  • Upgrading access points to make the entrances prominent and the route accessible, creating a more inviting route to travel along.
  • Transforming and enhancing open areas to provide places for people to enjoy.

They also raised a number of repeat issues such as poor access, signage and visibility of the route, along with the need to eliminate the public perception of the route being unsafe to travel along because of issues relating to crime and anti-social behaviour.

The poor access points, connectivity, and signage to and from the Fallowfield Loop and Stockport Branch Canal were all raised during the engagement exercise. Users felt that by improving existing access points and creating more would make the route more attractive and potentially reduce crime and anti-social behaviour by providing a “safety in numbers” approach.

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A New Look For The New Levenshulme

The new Levenshulme Pub has a fantastic new look. Colin Campbell and Chris Thompson who run the pub have been working hard during lockdown to refurbish it. On 6 February the makeover came to the front in style with a huge rainbow flag across the full width of the building closely followed by a live streaming of entertainment by Jordan William Smart.

“The new Levenshulme is an LGBT+ friendly venue where everyone is welcome. This is the place where you’re safe. This is the place where you’re entertained. We have worked hard during lockdowns to create a new business concept. We hope you all like it.”

Colin Campbell, The Levenshulme

This new look for the new Levenshulme coincides with Greater Manchester Hate Crime Awareness Week (1-7 February 2021) which aims to raise awareness of hate crimes and increase reporting of incidents. This is particularly relevant following a hate incident against a gay man in Levenshulme last week. This does not reflect the wonderful, diverse and supportive community in Levenshulme but shows we must all be vigilant and stand together against hate of all kinds.

Levenshulme is also home to the largest independent local Pride in Manchester outside the city centre which was itself started after a homophobic hate incident. Levenshulme Pride will be held this year 13-15 August 2021, covid restrictions permitting.

The New Levenshulme is on Stockport Road beside the Antiques Village.

959 Stockport Road, Manchester, M19 3NP Tel. 0161 2242629

Photographs courtesy of Jeremy Hoad

New Lidl Store Consultation Closes Today

Lidl are proposing to build a new supermarket on the Fallowfield Retail Park on Birchdfields Road near the roundabouts at the top of Kingsway.

The plans would mean demolishing all buildings on the right hand side of the entrance road apart from the Hawthorne Medical Practice and replacing them with a new Lidl store which is anticipated to create around 40 jobs.

You can read the MEN article about the plans HERE. Please note the phone number given at the end of this article is incorrect.

You can comment on the proposals HERE.

The consultation ends on Friday 15 January 2021.

Fallowfield Retail Park Lidl Store Plans, (image courtesy of Lidl GB)

Food Cycle Free Meals At Inspire

New Free Meal Service

Food Cycle has launched a free cook and collect service at Levenshulme Inspire on Stockport Road.

The Cook and Collect takeaway service launched on Thursday 14th January. If you would like a free, nutritious cooked meal, you can go and collect one every Thursday between 7:30pm – 8:30pm.

How to Volunteer

You can also volunteer to help. There are opportunities for people to cook, host guests and be involved in collecting the surplus food donations from local suppliers.

“You don’t need to have any previous cooking experience, although if you do that is just as welcome! We want as many local volunteers as possible and everyone is welcome to be a part of FoodCycle Manchester.”

Sign up online to volunteer at FoodCycle Manchester HERE

Active Neighbourhood Update: Documents, Deadlines & Feedback

The LCA has requested all publicity material for the Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood Project including in different languages. All material that is currently available can be downloaded below as PDF documents. There are instructions here on how to comment on the plans online, by email and by written questionnaire including deadlines that have now changed.

Be aware that all the maps in the printed materials are different and the deadline for comment has been extended by a week because of a mistake in the printed materials that have been distributed.

As of today (16 October 2020) only the questionnaire leaflet is available in any language apart from English. That language is Romanian.

UPDATE: Urdu version of the questionnaire leaflet added on 23 October 2020

UPDATE: Bengali version of the questionnaire leaflet added on 22 October 2020

UPDATE: Arabic version of questionnaire leaflet added on 19 October 2020.

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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

The Nest At Levenshulme Old Library Is Closing

This is an announcement from The Owl and The Coconut based at The Nest at Levenshulme Old Library.

Sadly The Nest at Levenshulme won’t be reopening but all The Owl and The Coconut classes and courses will continue! They will be online for now.

We’ve absolutely loved running our wellness space The Nest from the Old Library over the past two years! From Gong Baths to Mindful Art and everything in between it’s been epic!

As the world has changed during the Covid pandemic our needs at The Owl and The Coconut have changed too. For now we’re moving all our classes and courses online, which means we need a much smaller space. So we are closing The Nest and leaving Levenshulme Old Library.

We’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone at Levenshulme Old Library. And to all of you who have joined us for wellness events at The Nest over the last two years. Thank you to everyone who we have worked with, all The Nest members and partner organisations, it’s been incredible!

Our meditation and mindful art classes and courses start up again online soon! Watch this space! To be first to here about them and keep up with all things Owl and Coconut follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter or click HERE to join our mailing list.

Together let’s create pockets of peace for us all to rest in for a moment!

Big love from us all at The Owl and The Coconut xxx

Arcadia Leisure Centre Reopens

Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre has reopened to members on a limited basis from today (25th July 2020). The Centre will open to the public from 1st August with swimming available as well as gym facilities but the library will remain closed for the time being.

Full information on the staged reopening is available HERE

Fallowfield Loop Consultation

Manchester City Council has been allocated funding from the (Greater Manchester) Mayor’s Challenge Funding (MCF) to improve the Fallowfield Loop. Funding will go towards cycling and walking improvements to help the public safely make essential trips by walking, cycling and other active modes of travel. Measures that are already being looked at include:

  • Providing Street Lighting along the route.
  • Introduce more litter bins and seating areas.
  • Widening the route to 3 metres or more.
  • Introduce new areas of public realm for everyone to enjoy.

The Fallowfield Loop proposals are the latest of Manchester’s Bee Network proposals to be developed and the Council is asking for feedback to help determine the details of the plan.

Find out more and submit your comments HERE

You can also see a video below about the project from Angeliki Stogia, Manchester City Council Executive Member with responsibility for environment, transport and planning.

Fallowfield Loop consultation

Council Pauses Levenshulme Bee Network Project

Following intervention by Manchester City Council and local councillors the Levenshulme Bee Network project has been “paused” to allow for further consultation.

This follows considerable concern across our community after the Levenshulme Bee Network released proposals for a trial of 29 vehicle road blocks (referred to as “modal filters”) across the area.

The maps released by Levenshulme Bee Network at the end of May also included other things such as a series of new and improved pedestrian crossings, bike racks, a “parklet” and several bus gates blocking the road to other vehicles but these are not part of the trial that was due to start in July.

Levenshulme Community Association will continue to ensure our community is informed and involved as further information is available about what this means including how people can contribute and have their voices heard.

Levenshulme Bee Network Through Routes

A trial will start in July 2020 of some of the Levenshulme Bee Network changes to our roads. 29 locations will have changes with roads being blocked to vehicle traffic. But which roads will not be affected?

Residents have made their own maps to help people see which routes will not have road blocks to vehicles on them starting in July (referred to as “modal filters”). These roads are likely to have significantly increased traffic.

The reason these have been done is the Levenshulme Bee Network maps do not show which roads traffic in the area will be redirected onto and can be used as “through routes”. They have been done by residents to help everyone understand the impact of the project and so people can plan how to change the routes they take from July.

Roads that traffic will be diverted onto:

  • Albert Road
  • Barlow Road
  • Broom Lane 
  • Cromwell Grove 
  • Crossley Road
  • Grangethorpe Drive 
  • Hemmons Road
  • Kingsway 
  • Matthews Lane 
  • Moseley Road
  • Mount Road
  • Slade Lane (north of Albert Road)

See below for the maps. Further information on the July changes can be found HERE

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Survey On Re-opening Of Arcadia

There is a short survey available on re-opening Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre.

“As we look towards the reopening of our centres, we would love to hear from you! Please use the link below to complete our short survey and feel free to share! What do you use most at the centre? What have you missed the most and are you looking forward to coming back.”

MCRactive / Better

Please follow the link HERE to go to the survey.

The latest service update from Better (operators of Arcadia) on 31 May says:

  • Reopening plans for our leisure centres will focus on ensuring we have safe, hygienic facilities that make the most of our unique indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring we can give you plenty of space to use for your chosen exercise.
  • We are hopeful that some of our centres will be open from early July, but as you will appreciate the final timetable will be driven by the advice of the Chief Medical Officer and the government. We are also working with all other leisure centre and gym providers to develop safe, but customer friendly, systems of operation.
  • Further information is available HERE

Levenshulme Station Improvements

An update on improvements to Levenshulme Station from Afzal Khan MP

Thanks to pressure from Afzal Khan MP together with Levenshulme’s Labour councillors and local campaigners, there is now a start date for work to improve Levenshulme station. For many years, passengers have been subjected to flooding, poor lighting and an overall lack of cleanliness at the station, and it is hoped this work will dramatically improve passenger experience.

Earlier this year, local MP Afzal Khan visited Levenshulme station with representatives from Northern and Network Rail and walked through planned upgrades. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the upgrades due to start in Spring 2020 were significantly delayed. This week, Network Rail informed Mr Khan that works are now due to start in September 2020.

Afzal Khan MP said,

“I am delighted to have a new start date for the work. Levenshulme Station is a critical transport hub for the local community. Community groups, councillors and I have been campaigning for station improvements for many years and I am pleased that our hard work is starting to pay off.”

He continued,

“Despite this good news, I will be continuing to campaign to make our station accessible for all Levenshulme residents. It was incredibly disappointing that we were not awarded any Access for All funding from the Department for Transport in the last round of bidding, despite submitting a strong bid backed by a great community campaign. The truth is that the Tory Government has not allocated enough money for this work, and at the current rate it will take over fifty years for all of Greater Manchester’s stations to be made accessible.”

Cllr Bernard Stone said,

“Levenshulme’s Labour councillors – Dzidra [Noor] , Basat [Sheikh] and I – welcome the long overdue work being undertaken at Levenshulme Station. Local residents and Councillors have been pushing for this to be done for a long time. It is good to now have a definite start date.”

Dramatic Road Changes From July 2020

Levenshulme and surrounding areas are about to experience major changes to our roads.

This is the first stage of the changes being imposed by the Levenshulme Bee Network Project. This is a new idea to create a “Filtered Neighbourhood” and to make walking and cycling easier by blocking off roads and restricting access for motorised vehicles. A whole host of other ideas are planned as well. This is just the start.

Travelling around Levenshulme and getting to and from the area will never be the same again.

12 June update

Please note that the information below was correct when it was posted. However, Levenshulme Bee Network has now changed the description on its website about the July 2020 changes. There is nothing on their website to indicate this has been changed.

Original text when the announcement was made:

“In the next few weeks we will be installing 29 temporary modal filters throughout the neighbourhood.

These will remain in place for a minimum of six months whilst we consult and tweak the filters with your feedback. They will then become permanent within 18 months.”

New text as of 12 June 2020:

“In the next few weeks we will be installing 29 temporary modal filters throughout the neighbourhood.

The trial will be undertaken using an experimental traffic regulation order which means that we can make changes following your feedback and monitor the impact for the first 6 months before the Council decides if the filters will be implemented on a permanent basis. All feedback from residents and monitoring of traffic, pedestrian and cycling levels as well as air quality levels will be considered before any of the filters are installed permanently.”

See below for details of the roads that will be affected, what will be done in July and maps including these changes.

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Manchester Nightingale Hospital

The government is building several new hospitals across the UK to cope with the demand placed on the NHS because of the Covid19 crisis. The Manchester “Nightingale” hospital is being contracted in the Manchester Central Convention Complex (formerly known as the G-Mex).

Levenshulme Station Improvements

March 13 report from Afzal Khan on improvements to Levenshulme Station.

“Last week I attended a site visit to Levensulme Station with representatives from Northern and Network Rail, as well as one of the local councillors. In the past few years there has been a number of issues at the station including flooding, poor lighting, and overall lack of cleanliness. I was therefore delighted to be walked through the improvements that are due to take place in the Spring. 

These include:

  • Removing existing wall and ceiling cladding in the subway, including gutters and existing redundant and temporary light fittings
  • Deep clean and refurbish newly exposed glazed brick subway walls and fittings
  • Replace existing tiled subway floor with new concrete floor slab and resin floor finish
  • Install new lighting in the subway
  • Install new drainage channels along both subway walls to accept discharge from gutter downpipes, and any surface water from the subway floor
  • Remove existing ceilings above station entrance and platform stairs and install new boarded ceilings

While I was incredibly disappointed that Levenshulme Station wasn’t awarded any Access for All funding from the Department for Transport, despite submitting a very strong bid backed by a great community campaign, I will be continuing to explore other funding options to improve accessibility at this busy station.

However, I am very pleased that stations elsewhere in Manchester Gorton have been awarded Access for All funding. Work will start soon at Belle Vue and Ryder Brow railway stations to improve safety and accessibility.”

Levenshulme Coronavirus Banner Revealed at Inspire

Levenshulme Inspire today revealed a coronavirus banner – “Physical Distancing, Social Solidarity” organised with the Levy Corona Helpers group.

This brilliantly reflects the community spirit of Levenshulme and combines a message of caution with solidarity and strength.

You can find support and offer help via the Levy Corona Helpers Facebook group HERE