Study Visit: Projekts MCR
11.30am – 3.30pm
|
5
March
2026
Projekts MCR — a community-owned skatepark, café, coaching hub and inclusive youth space in the heart of Manchester — is one of the UK’s most inspiring examples of a community asset transformed from unused land into a thriving social enterprise and cultural hub.
Started in 2004, born out of a grassroots movement to create safe, accessible space for skateboarders in Manchester’s inner city. Over the years it has grown into one of the UK’s most active managed skateparks, reaching thousands of young people through regular sessions, coaching, outreach in schools, and targeted programmes for under-represented groups including girls, people with disabilities, and those excluded from mainstream education.
Join this study visit for a guided tour of the building, and a learning session and Q&A with the founders where you’ll hear directly from the people behind the project, learn how they navigated asset transfer, community governance, revenue generation, and inclusive programming. A light lunch is included.
We offer sessions on a sliding scale. Please select the 'organisation' rate if you are funded by an organisation to attend this session.
- Guided tour of the skatepark, café, coaching spaces and community areas to see and hear how the project was developed from unused land under the Mancunian Way into a resilient community hub.
- Learn about how Projekts MCR moved from grant dependence to a sustainable blended model of trading and social investment.
- Participate in a Q&A with founders and team members to explore community shares, asset transfer, governance structures and diversified income streams, and dig into what has worked (and what challenges remain) in owning and operating a community asset.
- Networking opportunities to meet and connect with fellow community entrepreneurs and practitioners, accompanied by a local lunch.
Participants will also get a free copy of the ABCs of the New Economy guide in the post.
- Good understanding of the processes involved in acquiring, owning, running, and renovating a community asset through a real-life case study
- Practical tips on the DOs and DON’Ts of managing community assets, helping you avoid common pitfalls and find effective shortcuts
- Innovative approaches to fundraising and generating income through trade
- Local groups interested in taking ownership or management of local assets
- Organisations who already have an asset and want to review their model, structure, or plans
- Local authority staff looking to enhance existing asset transfer policies
- Residents and activists who are passionate about preserving and developing local community spaces
Projekts MCR
Refunds
Refunds will only be made if a written refund request is received no less than four weeks before the session starts. Send your written request via email to workshops@stirtoaction.com. If you cancel your booking less than four weeks before the session starts, no refund will be made other than in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the organisers. No refund will be made for non-attendance.
Cancellations
In the event we have to cancel the session before it starts, we will endeavour to inform all participants at least two weeks before the it is due to start, although please be aware that this is not always possible. In such an event, all session fees paid to date will be reimbursed in full. We are unable to reimburse any other costs that may be incurred (i.e. travel, accommodation).
In the event that we have to change session dates before the start of the session, participants may request a full refund if the new date is not convenient.
Should you have any questions regarding these terms and conditions, please contact the Stir to Action team via workshops@stirtoaction.com.
