The Inspire Centre, Levenshulme, is a mixed development of 14 no. 1 and 2 bedroom flats and a community hub comprising a Business Centre, a café, three meeting rooms, worship space, a social media centre and a multi-purpose space for 50 people. Part of the accommodation is contained within the existing Church building and part in a new, 4 storey contemporary extension set back from the street frontage, to fully expose the existing spire as a focal point. There is a 2 storey glazed link between the Church and the newbuild extension, which contains a double height atrium providing a dynamic element in the community centre and a 2 storey exhibition space for community use which reflects the scale of the original Church and its windows. Levenshulme Inspire with Great Places Housing Group is a dynamic partnership, involving local people committed to transforming their area, who have been involved with TADW Architects from early design stages. Funding was secured from the Homes and Communities Agency and a grant from the Big Lottery Fund. Quotes: “If it was a hotel, it would be five star. Positive things come out of this church, it’s so good it needs to be noticed. The flats should be praised and so should this community centre. I haven’t seen a community centre as nice as this and I’ve lived all over Manchester.”………….”It’s amazing what they’ve done – that’s why I was so emotional. It is absolute genius.” Lynsey Dale Resident “Excellent service provided on a very complex scheme” Ben Townsend Development Manager Great Places Housing Group Photograph by Jon Parker Lee