Labour councillors in Manchester brought a motion to the Council to support community ownership of local assets, ensuring that spaces such as parks, libraries, cultural venues, and high streets continue to serve local people and businesses.
Manchester has already seen the transformative power of community-led spaces. The Council has secured 35 community assets with many more on the pipeline.
Talking about community assets, Cllr Angeliki Stogia said that The Alexandra Park Pavilion provides a clear example of a community asset where the former Coffee Cranks Café had created a hub of social connection and activity before its closure. Now, a new local operator, Bembe Café, is working hard to revive the space—not just as a Café, but as a vibrant community hub where people can meet, attend events, and support the local economy.
With new tools such as the Community Right to Buy and High Street Rental Auctions, local authorities will have more opportunities to protect and grow these assets. However, Cllr Stogia stressed that “tools alone are not enough—we need simpler processes, real support, and trust in our communities.”
“This is not just about transferring assets,” she added. “It’s about giving communities and local businesses the chance to thrive. Because when we do, we don’t just save buildings—we build vibrant, resilient neighbourhoods.”
The Council continues to explore ways to streamline processes, offer tangible support to groups coming forward, and ensure community spaces remain at the heart of Manchester’s neighbourhoods.
To read the motion please visit the Manchester City Council website here, or to watch the video of Cllr Stogia’s speech in Council follow the link here.
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