News published July 2023
Our Town Hall project update – progress continues but challenges remain
![Photo of the Town hall regeneration project picturing the scaffolding arranged on the roof](http://www.manchester.gov.uk/images/Town_Hall_Roof_1.png)
The latest update report on the Our Town Hall project spells out the challenges it is continuing to face and the impacts these will have on its timescale and budget.
Manchester becomes a Local Authority of Sanctuary
!["We are proud to be a sanctuary and a home for anyone fleeing persecution
and those who are striving
for a better life."](http://www.manchester.gov.uk/images/Cllr_Midley_Authority_of_Sanctuary_TILE.png)
Manchester City Council has made a commitment to be a place where people facing persecution in their home country can find welcome and refuge.
Ready, Set, Read: This year’s Summer Reading Challenge launched
![Picture of school children putting their head through a cardboad backdrop advertising the Summer Reading Challenge](http://www.manchester.gov.uk/images/Ready_Set_Read___children_from_Acacias_PS.jpg)
The well-loved summer reading challenge returns to Manchester libraries this summer after being launched with school children in Central Library earlier this week
Now schools can help youngsters from nursery onwards AND their families at same time, in bid to address Covid gaps and reduce inequality in Manchester
![Ian JOnes from Haveley Heys Community School](http://www.manchester.gov.uk/images/Ian_Jones_1__1_.png)
Intensive support plan targeted at schools in areas of high deprivation, to help early years learning for pupils with delayed skills development, so they don’t get left behind.
Council to approve final funding to deliver landmark £60m energy efficiency and decent homes programme
![zero carbon home in BEswick](http://www.manchester.gov.uk/images/Beswick_One_Manchester_Zero_Carbon_2__1_.jpeg)
A report going to a meeting of the full Council seeks approval for the final funding to deliver the largest sustainable homes investment programme in the city’s history over the next 2years.
Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood to be finalised as £7m in joint funding secured
![Image of two large planters and a central bollard blocking entrance to a residential street, signifying the start of an Active Neighbourhood.](http://www.manchester.gov.uk/images/MicrosoftTeams_image_1.png)
Work to finalise plans for an Active Neighbourhood in Levenshulme and Burnage will progress this summer following a new agreement between city and transport leaders.
Get ready for a roarsome time as the zoo comes to town this Manchester Day on Holiday
![Picture of a man riding an animatronic hippo](http://www.manchester.gov.uk/images/738737e3ac764b14ba9f0d9014b5c408d358a99ec8944aad8ce09c08d20ea204.jpeg)
Manchester Day on Holiday celebrations will take place in the city centre on Saturday 29 July, and as part of this year’s extravaganza an interactive zoo will take over New Cathedral Street.
Future of Levenshulme cycling hub secured after Council agrees freehold purchase
![Image of a red brick building - Station South - set against a blue sky.](http://www.manchester.gov.uk/images/20230524_pkc8479__1_.jpg)
The future of a much-loved community asset in Levenshulme has been secured after Manchester City Council agreed to purchase its freehold.
New creative lead appointed to help steer Manchester Art Gallery into its next 200 years
Dr Inbal Livne has been appointed by Manchester Art Gallery as its Senior Creative Lead, a new post to help steer the gallery and play a key part in shaping the way its collections are used and understood by the many thousands of local, national and international visitors who flock to the gallery each year.
No summer slowdown as Council continues cost-of-living support for city's most vulnerable
![Image of the Helping Hands support leaflet.](http://www.manchester.gov.uk/images/Screenshot_2023_07_06_at_11.08.56.png)
Support for residents during the cost-of-living crisis will continue throughout Manchester this summer.