A PROJECT to rebuild Manchester Jewish Museum has been backed by a former council chief.

Sir Howard Bernstein, who retired in March, has now launched an appeal to raise £500,000 to pay for the work.

Backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the project will restore the listed Moorish synagogue, which opened in 1874, and create a two-storey extension to expand gallery and exhibition space together with learning and community areas.

Sir Howard, chairman of the Manchester Jewish Museum Development Committee, said: “This is a hugely exciting era for the Manchester Jewish Museum and I’m thrilled to be backing this project.”

The museum, in Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester, is holding an exhibition celebrating the life and career of Sir Howard, which will run until Sunday.

The cost of the build is £5 million, and the museum has secured donations totalling nearly £4.5 million.