20/08/2026
Some very good news from Levenshulme Old Library: we've been awarded a Project Viability Grant from the Architectural Heritage Fund.
For nearly ten years we've been running Levenshulme Old Library as a community arts centre, doing what we can to look after it and make it work for the thousands of people who come through the doors each year, both for our own activities, but also for our building partners like ALL FM 96.9 and Manchester Library of Things, but despite us being in charge of the building, we don't own it or have a lease for it.
Now we have an opportunity to think much bigger about its future. This funding will allow us to work with architects and the people who use the Old Library to develop a long-term vision for the building: what people want from it, how the spaces could work better, what improvements are needed and what it would take to make those ideas happen.
It's also an important step in our work to finally bring the Old Library into community ownership, something which will secure its future for the long term.
There'll be more to come over the next few months, including opportunities to tell us what you want from the Old Library's next chapter.
A huge thanks to the Architectural Heritage Fund and also to our wonderful neighbourhood - this isn't just an investment in a lovely old building, it's also an recognition of what our community has brought back to life and of what we can build here together. We're also grateful to Manchester City Council for their continued support for our ambition to bring the Old Library into community ownership.
And while we're planning for the future, we still need your support to keep the Old Library going today. Earlier this year our funding agreement with Manchester City Council came to an end, at the same time as the building's running costs increased significantly. So please - hire a space, come to an event, make a donation or simply spread the word.
https://levenshulmeoldlibrary.org.uk/2026/08/19/a-new-chapter-for-levenshulme-old-library/
