The cornerstone of the first Federation synagogue outside of London was laid in north Manchester on Sunday. Three-hundred people gathered at the construction site of the Ohr Yerushalayim shul on Bury New Road for a ceremony attended by leading local rabbis.

Federation president Alan Finlay believes the venture reflects the movement’s commitment to putting money from the sale of disused synagogues into new communities.

“We looked at three projects. This was the most exciting application we’d received because of the vibrancy of the community. The fact that it was outside London was quite secondary,” Mr Finlay said afterwards.

Ohr Yerushalayim’s membership has swelled to 100 young Orthodox families since starting life 11 years ago as a Friday night service for 18 people.

Shul president Dov Black is “excited” by the Federation’s contribution. “We’re looking forward to rewarding their significant investment by becoming an active constituent community.”

A 200-seat two-storey shul will be constructed of Jerusalem stone. It will be the second synagogue built in the area within a year.