A First Look at Manchester’s £2.4million LGBT+ Centre

Situated on Sidney Street, Manchester, The Proud Place, cared for by The Proud Trust, is now a homely, welcoming space spanning three floors, where LGBT+ people can access youth and community groups and support workers, as well as making meaningful connections with peers in the LGBT+ community at a range of events. 

A bright gold building that stands proudly where the old centre stood, charity officials describe it as being triple the size and ‘unrecognisable’ from its predecessor, which was dark, gloomy and unwelcoming; it was built for privacy and had fallen into a state of disrepair.

About The Proud Place

The building comprises of three floors, all of which have been designed as light, airy, open spaces to make visitors feel at ease and ‘at home’.

Ground Floor/Community Lounge, a welcoming space to pause, meet and connect: A space for everyone, downstairs is a versatile and inviting area with large floor to ceiling windows, comfy beanbags, soft chairs and sofas and bright, vibrant furnishings. 

There are tables where guests can drop in for a hot drink, a photobooth and the heritage library where young people can enjoy a moment of quiet for reading and reflection. The space can be ‘zoned’ for privacy with a moveable wall/room dividers so that it can be used by multiple groups simultaneously.

First floor- a flexible space for connecting, sharing and learning: The middle floor is home to The Proud Trust’s office staff and youth workers, with another movable wall giving flexibility for the area to be used by youth and community groups. 

Second floor – a light and air workspace, flexible enough to suit away days, training and film screenings. The light and spacious room is kitted out with top of the range sound and audio equipment making it suitable for training, meetings, work and sociable activities.

A peaceful roof terrace is accessible for break out activities and tranquil moments.

Made in Manchester

The centre is a celebration of local talent and history which is weaved into the very fabric of the building.

Local artists including Hammo, Meha Hindocha, Jay Neville, Seleena Daye and Sarah Joy Ford, were commissioned to create original themed artworks which are displayed throughout.

Bespoke furniture has been created from velodrome wood from the Manchester-based National Cycling Centre and cladding and surfaces further utilising floorboards from the recently refurbished Manchester Town Hall. 

History and Heritage

The Heritage library is at the heart of the new building where people can learn more about its origins.

Eco Credentials

The building was created to be kind to the environment as well as the people who use it. Sustainability and energy efficiency were front of mind at every stage of the planning and building process.

Learn more here 

Published: 27-May-2022: (6650)