A much-loved café and bar in Levenshulme has cemented its future in the area after being taken over by Manchester City Council.
Station South is a destination cycle café, bar, workshop, and urban garden just off the Fallowfield Loop greenway. The council agreed to purchase its freeholdto maintain the Stockport Road site's long-term tenure in the area and to ensure they can continue to deliver their services within the community.
The site, known for its delicious seasonal cakes and bakes, has become an important fixture in the neighbourhood, providing a space for people who cycle as well as the wider community through their café and bar.
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Following an agreement between the current owner of the freehold for 975-977 Stockport Road – Railway Paths – the council will take ownership in the coming weeks. Council officers have stressed that the terms around Station South’s tenancy will not change, and they "intend to improve ties with the venue and help boost sustainable travel in the region".
Station South Community Interest Company was formed in 2017 by local residents keen to prevent the building falling into disrepair.
Coun Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Embedding ideas around sustainable travel within our communities is a key part of fulfilling our ambitions around encouraging more people to cycle. Station South has already proven its value to residents in Levenshulme, acting as a hub where people can meet like minded people who can act as torchbearers for cycling across the wider community.
“We look forward to growing our relationship with Station South ensuring their long-term sustainable future.”
Working alongside Manchester Active, all parties have said they are committed to driving interest and investment in cycling across the city, providing sustainable solutions to transport, as well as ensuring cycling plays a critical role to encourage and inspire all Mancunians to move more each day and live happier and healthier lives.
This was seen in the Council’s recently published strategy on active transport which laid out an ambition on doubling the amount of people cycling by 2028, improving segregated cycling provision and removing all barriers to cycle paths which prevent the access of non-standard cycles.
Abigail Pound, Managing Director of Station South, said: “After a period of uncertainty about who our future landlords would be, we are delighted with the news that Manchester City Council are taking ownership of the freehold.
“This is a huge vote of confidence in what we've achieved so far and the potential for the future; ensuring that the investment that has been made will continue to benefit the community in the very long term.”
