There’s something for everyone at new-look Fallowfield Library


The newly re-furbished Fallowfield Library will be officially opened this week with a visit from the Bookstart Bear and a steel band.
Children from Wilbraham Primary School will also be treated to an art lesson as part of the re-opening with the chance to make their own pop-up 3D version of the library façade.

The refurbishment began in April and since then the library has been operating a reduced service from a single small room at the back of the building.

Now it has something for everyone from toddlers to teenagers and parents to pensioners. It’s been re-painted and re-carpeted and has a modern open-plan feel with a new enquiry desk. There’s a new teen section with study tables, a “lips” style sofa and a careers advice section. There are computer facilities, an ICT facilitator and a Homework Club.

There’s also a new children’s library area with additional seating, a sofa and rugs and the library has new comfortable seating throughout with coffee tables, newspaper stands, displays and information boards.

Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, Councillor Mike Amesbury says: "The library is looking fresh and modern with enhanced facilities for everyone. There has been some disruption for staff and customers over the last couple of months and I'd like to thank them for bearing with us. I think everyone will agree that the end results made it well worthwhile."

Construction careers are the height of fashion

Local school children will improve their prospects for a career in construction after taking the hands on approach at the Gallery of Costume in Platt Hall, Platt Fields Park.
Platt Hall, which is owned and run by Manchester City Council, dates back to 1764 and houses the Gallery of Costume which has one of the leading costume collections in the UK; and features couture pieces from the likes of Dior, Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent. It is currently closed for major refurbishment, so the careers’ day is a unique behind the scenes tour of the building works in progress for the lucky pupils attending.

The Grade II* listed building is currently undergoing a complete rewiring of the building, the renewal of the heating system, the installation of a large lecture/meeting room for students and visitors as well as the creation of new exhibition space to host temporary exhibitions.
The pupils will take part in interactive construction exercises hosted by Parkinson Building Contractors with the support of Manchester Chamber and Construction Skills to learn about how a heritage building project of this scale is carried out.

Labour Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure at Manchester City Council said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for those considering a career in construction to come and see the work in progress. The Gallery of Costume is an extremely important to the city and Platt Hall is a significant part of the City’s architectural heritage. There is some magnificent work taking place within the Gallery of Costume, which will hopefully inspire the pupils visiting."
The Gallery was created in 1947, when Manchester City Council raised the funding to acquire a major private collection of costume, which was thus saved for the benefit of Mancunians and visitors to the city.
Added to over the last 60 years, it is now one of the largest collections of clothing and fashion accessories in Britain, containing over 25,000 items from the 17th century to the present day.
The one million pound investment being ploughed into the Gallery will enable it to open to visitors three days a week and make the collection more widely accessible. Work will be completed on the building in time for the park’s centenary celebrations next spring.

Agencies unite for Fallowfield Respect Action Days

Police teams, councillors, council officers, environment officers and City South Manchester housing officers all joined forces for two days of action in Fallowfield last Thursday and Friday. The event focused on crime prevention with high visibility patrols warning people about anti social behaviour,vehicle crime, and dumped refuge.

Over the two day period a total of 411 properties were visited, and 169 questionnaires were completed. 6 stop accounts were carried out, 1driving offences reported, 1 Stolen car recovered and a lot of high visibility re assurance patrol.

Fallowfield Councilor Mike Amesbury said;" Working together as one team, the council, police, community and other partners have achieved a great deal in just a couple of days. These Respect Fallowfield days gave residents and the opportunity to raise concerns and sent out a clear message that those breaking the law will be dealt with."