Common Space
Every year, Levenshulme Old Library invests thousands of pounds in making our building, resources and support affordable for community organisations, artists and grassroots groups.
We call this Common Space.
Common Space supports activity that helps make Levenshulme more creative, connected and inclusive. This might include community meetings, creative workshops, arts and heritage projects, wellbeing activities, support services, resident-led groups, family activities, or projects tackling isolation and inequality.
We look at each proposal on its own merits. You do not need to be a registered charity to be part of Common Space, but your activity should create clear community benefit.
What We're Looking For
We are especially interested in activity that:
- brings people together
- is low-cost or free to access
- reduces barriers to participation
- supports creativity, wellbeing, learning or connection
- reflects the diversity of the local area
- creates positive social impact
Common Space is open to charities, community groups, artists, CICs, social enterprises, schools, informal collectives and local residents.
Becoming a Common Space Partner
If you’re interested in running an activity at Levenshulme Old Library, we’d love to hear from you.
The first step is simply to get in touch and tell us a little about your idea. We’ll usually arrange an informal conversation to understand what you’re planning, who it’s for, and how it might fit alongside the wider programme of activity in the building.
We’ll normally ask for some basic information about your organisation or project, including the type of activity you want to deliver, who it is aimed at, how often you’d like to use the space, and any safeguarding or insurance arrangements where relevant.
We look at every proposal on its own merits and are always happy to discuss new ideas.
What We Ask of Common Space Partners
Common Space is built on partnership. In return for affordable access to our building and resources, we ask partner organisations to help us make the programme as valuable as possible for everyone who uses it.
This includes:
- Delivering activity that reflects the community focus of Common Space.
- Helping us understand the impact of your work by sharing basic attendance information when requested.
- Working with us to promote your activity and, where appropriate, allowing us to capture photographs or stories with the necessary consent.
- Looking after the building and helping maintain a welcoming, inclusive environment for everyone.
- Letting us know if your activity changes significantly so we can review your partnership where necessary.
We know every organisation is different, so we aim to keep these expectations proportionate and to build long-term partnerships based on openness, trust and shared values.
As part of our partnership, we ask all Common Space organisations to include the ‘supported by Levenshulme Old Library’ logo on promotional materials for activities taking place at the venue.
You can find more information about Common Space here.
For more information please see our standard hiring document which includes information about our spaces and resources as well as our terms and conditions.
About Levenshulme
Levenshulme is our friendly and vibrant neighbourhood, but it’s not without its challenges.
If you’re applying for funding an want to know more about the area, the following resources may be useful:
Manchester City Council Ward Statistics
Levenshulme Neighbourhood Profile
You can also read our impact report for information on the work LOL is involved with and the impact it has on our community.