info@hmhc.co.uk
0161 2223 633
Gorton Central, Manchester
We are turning a pre-loved community asset into a modern community centre
We’re creating a new modern community centre in one of Manchester’s famous neighbourhoods. Once a derelict paint factory, we are turning a preloved community centre into a ‘modern’ community centre… a place to learn, grow, make connections and a place for building community wealth.
"The Community Centre provides a range of valued services and brings together people from diverse backgrounds. Not only does the Community Centre contribute to building a cohesive and supportive community in my constituency, it also reaches beyond the immediate neighbourhood, sharing knowledge and learning around food insecurity, co-production and partnership working"
Afzal Khan,
Member of Parliament for Manchester Gorton
Gorton Central History
Once upon a time, a local paint factory became the cherished Gorton Community Centre. The original 1930’s building was a 1-storey office, stores tunnel and external buildings. The derelict building was saved by passionate residents and transformed into Gorton Community Centre. Owned by Manchester City Council and managed by the local committee, a first-floor extension and later a new community hall were added, complete with ‘Britain in Bloom’ winning growing garden.
In 2017, in partnership with the centre committee, HMHC launched the Gorton Community Grocer and following closure due to the pandemic, reopened the centre with a range of covid support services. During this time, we have completed essential refurbishments, created a new community room, training & co-workspace and food-hub, along with new signage.
A big thank you to GM NHS Mental Health Trust, One Manchester, Arcon Housing for providing funding to get us on our way and Rowlinsons and Morgan Sindall for carrying out some of our refurbishment work.
HMHC and Gorton Central
The Future
Early 2023, the baton (and paintbrush) was handed over to HMHC with the completion of a community asset transfer and soon after secured over £350k capital and revenue funding from The National Lottery and Community Ownership Fund, on top of £50k Access to Growth social investment loan. This investment is the catalyst for our new vision for the centre for transforming lives.
Our vision connects people to fellow residents, to services and importantly to partners for unlocking new resources. HMHC works collaboratively with many community partners and is proud to have bought VOCAL to Gorton, bringing people and health researchers together. Watch this space for further link ups with Southway Homes, Sky Media and In Our Nature.
Main Building
The original building is now the home of our new reception, training rooms and Co-Lab shared workspace for homeworkers, collaborators, entrepreneurs and anyone else who wants to enjoy Gorton Central.
The Hall
The pre-loved hall is now a wonderful community space themed around our growing garden offering a place to relax, community events and pop-up events.
Gorton Grocer Hub
Building upon over 7 years of community food-aid experience, in partnership with One Manchester, we have created a food hub for our and partners' food projects, tackling the root causes of poverty and supporting people to be free of food poverty.
Gorton Growing Garden
A vibrant growing garden at the heart of the centre, with seating, growing space and lots of nature hideouts to explore. Our new additions will provide spaces for contemplation, training or just a brew, bringing people back to the centre time and time again.
The Fallowfield Loop Line
Gorton Central sits on the 'Yellow Brick Road' and minutes from the Fallowfield Loop Line cycle and walking route. We will use this fantastic location to deliver new physical activities and are planning to provide a new cafe experience from the site.