Manchester Maccabi and UJIA have announced a joint venture which will see Manchester Maccabi undergo a general refurbishment together with the creation of additional office space and a meeting room at the ground and first-floor levels of the building. Following these works, the centre will be renamed Maccabi Mamlock House.
Commenting on these changes, Darryl Lee MBE, chair of Manchester Maccabi said: “This is one of the most exciting projects our community has seen for many years on a number of levels. Firstly, it brings together two of Manchester’s most prominent Jewish organisations. Partnerships like this are vital for communal sustainability and optimisation of assets and we are sure this one will bear fruit for a long time to come.
Secondly and most importantly this acts as a platform for future investment as we look to renew and enhance the wider facilities we offer and finally, it sees the re-establishment of the Mamlock name, much beloved in the community because of its long-standing Israeli and Zionist heritage.”
Manchester Maccabi will fund the internal refurbishment of the building and UJIA the extension and creation of the meeting room, using monies from the proceeds of the sale of the original Mamlock House, which were ring fenced specifically for a project of this nature. It is intended that UJIA will relocate its offices to the building.
The joint venture will further futureproof the centre, which has recently opened the new café RiMo, leading already to increased activity and footfall.
Nici Wertheim, chair of Manchester UJIA, added: ‘We are delighted to be joining forces with Maccabi and to see the enhancement of the communal activities at the centre. Maccabi Mamlock House will replace and significantly enhance the facilities that the old Mamlock House provided to the community in a more accessible and fit for purpose building.”