Manchester Reform to Seek New Site
Manchester Reform Congregation, who have been based at Jacksons Row in the heart of the city for the past seventy years, are to sell their building to a leading development company and seek new premises within the city centre.
A resolution to sell the freehold and leasehold to Jackson’s Row Developments Ltd. was approved by an overwhelming majority of members who attended a special EGM last Sunday, 25th July.
Once the Trustees have each signed the agreement, it will lead to an automatic exchange of contracts within the next few days.
Football expert and businessman, Gary Neville, who attended the EGM remotely on behalf of the developers of the St Michael’s area, which includes the Synagogue, said the first phase, the commercial development around the old Bootle Street Police HQ had already started. He hoped that Phase 2, the hotel and residential complex, which includes the synagogue land, would commence within two and a half years.
Initially, the Synagogue was part of the original development but for a variety of reasons and unforeseen circumstances, the membership preferred to use the finance from the £15 million sale to relocate and secure the future for decades to come rather than wait to be part of a 5-star hotel and residential tower.
Naomi Ward, JR Chair, said “We look forward to many conversations with our members as we plan to move to a new, sustainable location, fit for generations of Reform Judaism in Manchester. We will continue to keep everyone informed and involved.”
