Mamlock House is to close in December after almost 50 years as a base for Zionist organisations in Manchester.

UJIA is the landlord of the property, which also houses offices of JNF, the Zionist Central Council, Wizo, Magen David Adom, the Israel Information Centre and the Jewish Agency.

The news was broken to users on Wednesday by UJIA chairman Keith Black, who said the outdated building had become too expensive to maintain or refurbish.

Named after the Zionist family who donated it, Mamlock House has been a focal point of Jewish life since 1962.

JNF's Lorraine Palastrand was upset but not surprised at the decision. "We are very disappointed to have to look at short notice for another building but we are hoping all the charities will stay in north Manchester."

Israel Information Centre director Doreen Gerson pledged that it would be business as usual. "We have such a lot of fights on our hands with the demonisation of Israel. We will all be up and running in a different location."

UJIA says the building will be sold with proceeds provisionally put towards a community centre.