Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue, Old Lansdowne Road, West Didsbury

A NEW SYNAGOGUE: STONE-LAYING CEREMONY AT WITHINGTON - Manchester is to have a new synagogue, the foundation stone of which was laid yesterday at the corner of Queen's Road and Lansdowne Road, West Didsbury. It will be that of the Withington Congregation of Spanish and Portuguese Jews, and is to take the place of the present building in Mauldeth Road, which has become inadequate. The area which the new synagogue will occupy is 9000 square feet. The main entrance wilt be in Lansdowne Road. The total sittings on the ground floor will be 400. and in the gallery about 300. The chief feature of the interior of the building will four Ionic columns supporting the galleries. and the corresponding pilasters and the general decorative treatment will be in character. The exterior is to be carried out in two tones of red brick, while certain features, such as the main porches. will be in Portland stone. The exterior is largely broken up, so that its effect of solidity and importance will depend to a great extent upon the effective grouping of its different parts. The designs of the building are by Mr Delissa Joseph (London). [Manchester Guardian 25 May 1925 page 11]