A derelict synagogue hall in Manchester may be redeveloped to provide an educational and social venue for the community.

Prestwich Hebrew Congregation's Holstein Hall was used for small functions and children's services, but was condemned 15 years ago because of its dilapidated state. Now outreach organisation Aish is in discussion with the synagogue over redeveloping the hall as a venue for educational youth events.

Synagogue president Clive Sayers said that although no decision had been reached, the move would "fit into our strategy of the shul being a place for the mainstream community to make use of and feel an affiliation to. We have assets that need to be brought back into use."

Rabbi Aaron Kampf of Aish Manchester said the venue is in "an ideal location.

"We hope discussions progress so that the commnity at large can benefit, as well as meeting our growing need for a venue to run educational and social events."