- www.theguardian.com Luxury penthouse in Manchester named after Friedrich Engels
Referencing socialist thinker is latest example of city repurposing its radical history for profit, say local people
> A multimillion-pound luxury penthouse flat named after the revolutionary socialist thinker Friedrich Engels is the latest example of Manchester repurposing its radical history for profit, local people have said. > > The apartment is in the east tower in Deansgate Square, where the developer Renaker says its vision for the “New Jackson” skyscraper district “is to create a sustainable and attractive neighbourhood where people feel proud to call home”. > > The tower stands just off Deansgate, in what was once a slum area of Manchester, where families lived in squalid and cramped homes, and grinding poverty. It is also just a few hundred metres from a statue of Engels, which stands outside the Home arts centre. > > The German philosopher spent more than two decades in Manchester in the mid-19th century, from where he researched his seminal work The Condition of the Working Class in England. > > The book is a study on the Victorian industrial working class, which highlighted the issue of overcrowded housing, as well as high mortality rates and poor working conditions. > > Today, there is incredibly high demand for affordable housing in Manchester, with more than 15,000 applications on the waiting list for social housing. > > According to the property website Rightmove, the average price for a property in Manchester is £300,521, with the average selling price for flats at £200,652. > > ... > > The 290 sq metre (3,126 sq ft) flat is listed on the developer’s website as a showhome, but in promotional material it was advertised with a price tag of £2.5m. > > A second penthouse apartment, “The Turing” – presumably named after the University of Manchester computer scientist Alan Turing – is also on the market for £2.5m. > > ... > > “It’s just another iteration of that thing that Manchester’s been very good at doing, which is reabsorbing radical elements of its history into a brand,” said Isaac Rose, from Greater Manchester Tenants Union. > > “[Engels] deliberately fled the life of the bourgeoisie to live and be among the working class, but maybe he’d have found it ultimately amusing that things have got this mad that they were naming penthouses after him.”
- www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk Zoned out and frozen on a busy Manchester morning
Spice haunts our city again - special report.
> The images capture a woman in a hauntingly familiar pose. On one of Manchester's grandest streets, outside a department store, she is bent as if she's trying to pick something up. > > Almost touching her toes, she remains motionless for minutes. Before long, she collapses to the ground, and bystanders are calling police for help. > >The disturbing scene is eerily reminiscent of another time. The time when the Manchester Evening News first reported on a scourge that was leaving vulnerable people frozen in 'zombie-like' states across the city centre. > > The sight of people wasted on synthetic cannabinoids would become so familiar, seven years ago, that national headlines would go on to dub the city 'Spicechester', home of the 'living dead'.
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Antifa International - Fixed it! Antifascists in Manchester keep their city clean of fascist propaganda
antifainternational.tumblr.com Antifa International - Fixed it! Antifascists in Manchester keep their...Fixed it! Antifascists in Manchester keep their city clean of fascist propaganda
- www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk Manchester Arena bombing survivors start legal action against MI5
Lawyers representing more than 250 people caught up in the May 2017 atrocity have lodged a group claim against the intelligence agency
> Survivors of the Manchester Arena bombing have instigated legal action against MI5, it has been confirmed. Lawyers representing more than 250 people caught up in the atrocity at the Ariana Grande concert on May 22, 2017 say they have submitted a claim. > > In a joint statement, Hudgell Solicitors, Slater & Gordon and Broudie Jackson Canter, the three lead firms representing the group said: "Legal teams representing injured survivors of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 can confirm that they have collectively submitted a group claim on behalf of more than 250 clients to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal. > "As it is an ongoing legal matter, we are unable or provide any further details, or comment further, at this stage." > > The Investigatory Powers Tribunal is an independent judicial body which provides right of redress to anyone who believes they have been the victim of unlawful action by a public authority using covert investigative techniques.
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Manchester is officially the best place in the country for beer
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk Manchester Evening News: Number one for news, opinion, sport & celebrity newsManchester Evening News - Covering central and Greater Manchester, including news from Oldham, Rochdale and Glossop.
> Manchester has been named the best city in the UK for beer - despite charging higher prices for pints than the likes of Birmingham and Glasgow. > > As part of a study of Europe’s best cities for beer lovers, Manchester was the highest-ranking city in the UK and the only one to make it into the top 20 list. The list, from travel expert and ferry operator DFDS, ranked each European city based on beer quality, its highest-rated bar and pubs, their prominence on social media, and the average cost of a pint.
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BBC: Ramadan: Greater Manchester households warned over gold thefts
www.bbc.co.uk Ramadan: Greater Manchester households warned over gold theftsFamily gold is being targeted while Muslims leave their homes to go to prayers, police say.
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Bomb squad on scene and homes evacuated amid incident
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk Homes evacuated as bomb squad called to street amid incidentA cordon had previously been put in place on Ellesmere Street in Failsworth
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BBC: Rare trove of musical curiosities goes on display in Manchester
www.bbc.co.uk Rare trove of musical curiosities goes on display in ManchesterThe Royal Northern College of Music opens a museum filled with rare and unusual musical instruments.
- www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk Some of Greater Manchester's hospital trusts are close to running out of cash
'It feels absolutely bonkers that a trust could run out of cash and have to enter a commercial arrangement. I think we need to be doing something about that', baulked health bosses
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Manchester Burger King fire LIVE: Horror blaze breaks out above city centre restaurant
www.express.co.uk Horror blaze breaks out above Manchester Burger King as firefighters scrambleFirefighters have rushed to the scene in Piccadilly Gardens as pictures show bright orange flames engulfing the building.
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9 Greater Manchester buildings shortlisted for prestigious architecture award – including New Century
www.manchesterworld.uk 9 Greater Manchester buildings shortlisted for prestigious architecture awardThey could ultimately named Building of the Year.
- www.bbc.co.uk Bury explosion: Three homes damaged in blast to be demolished
Crews remain at the scene of the blast in Bury, Greater Manchester, as they investigate the cause.
- www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk MTV announce huge EMAs will take place in Manchester
The MTV EMAs are known as one of the biggest global celebrations of music and attract the world's biggest stars
- www.manchesterworld.uk "Absolutely vital": Fresh update on plans for Metrolink to finally reach Stockport
The borough has been trying to secure a tram extension for years.
- www.manchesterworld.uk Bee Network night bus trial to have 'security presence'
Mayor Andy Burnham has revealed more details about Greater Manchester's upcoming night bus trials.
- www.manchesterworld.uk "They must think we are thick" - Andy Burnham's blunt response to Government funding
The money has been reallocated from the HS2 budget after the Manchester line was axed... in Manchester.
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Our Manchester 2025–2035 survey: The city’s future, shaped by you | Manchester City Council
www.manchester.gov.uk Our Manchester 2025–2035 survey: The city’s future, shaped by you | Our Manchester 2025–2035 survey: The city’s future, shaped by you | Manchester City CouncilTake part in the Our Manchester 2025–2035 survey.
- www.manchesterworld.uk Andy Burnham issues major Bee Network update with next phase ready - what to expect
The next step for Greater Manchester’s public transport has been announced.
- www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk Surging Mancunian population has created acute sexual health problem
That's according to leading councillors
- www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk Manchester indie legends join Lytham Festival lineup
The indie legends will headline the final night of the North West’s largest live music festival
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Manchester Evening News: 'I went to the hidden Greater Manchester attraction that only costs £5.50'
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk 'I went to the hidden Greater Manchester attraction that only costs £5.50'Hidden beneath a Greater Manchester town is an incredible museum that's unlike anywhere else
- www.manchester.gov.uk Manchester gains recognition as a UNESCO City of Lifelong Learning | Manchester City Council
Manchester gains recognition as a UNESCO City of Lifelong Learning - Manchester has been officially recognised this week as a UNESCO City of Lifelong Learning, in recognition of the city's efforts to make lifelong learning a reality for all.
- www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk Three arrested and thousands seized as cops swoop in dawn raids
Two men and a woman are in custody
- www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk One of Manchester's most iconic buildings will undergo a £7.6m refurb
The John Rylands Library in the city centre is grade-I listed
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Lunar new year in Manchester: in pictures | Life and style
www.theguardian.com Lunar new year in Manchester: in picturesGuardian photographer Christopher Thomond captures performers as they welcome in year of the dragon
3 days late but thought you may like to see some pictures.
Happy Year of the Dragon!
新年快乐
- www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk Manchester Art Gallery will undergo major works to stop damp
The gallery is now 201 years old, causing 'inevitable' issues, bosses say
- news.sky.com Conspiracy theory which suggests Manchester Arena attack was staged is 'absurd and fantastical', judge rules
Richard Hall, who spread the theory online, has been accused of visiting the homes and workplaces of those injured in the attack and recording footage of them.
> A claim that the Manchester Arena terror attack was staged by government agencies and did not kill or injure anyone is "absurd and fantastical", a High Court judge has ruled. > > Martin Hibbert and his daughter, Eve, who were both left with life-changing injuries after the bombing that left 22 people dead in 2017, are bringing legal action against Richard Hall, who has been spreading the conspiracy theory. > > Mr Hibbert was left with a spinal injury and Eve, who was 14 at the time of the attack, has severe brain damage as a result of the explosion that took place as crowds left the Ariana Grande concert. > > Suicide bomber Salman Abedi, 22, detonated a home-made, shrapnel-packed device in the Manchester Arena - with hundreds injured as the blast dispersed thousands of nuts and bolts. > > However, Mr Hall has claimed the terror attack was faked. > > He is said to have made money from selling books and DVDs outlining various conspiracy theories he promotes, as well as speaking at events and posting videos online. His videos are reported to have had more than 16 million views on YouTube. > > He has been accused of visiting the homes and workplaces of those injured in the bombing - including Miss Hibbert's home - and recording footage of them. > > A BBC investigation in 2022 found that he shared a video demonstrating that he set up a camera to film Eve, who is disabled and in a wheelchair since the attack, to see whether she could actually walk.
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Is Peter Hook a cunt or a miserable git?
I love original New Order and when Hookie left I resigned myself to the fact he's a bit of a curmudgeonly sod but ultimately sound.
Though what he said about "not knowing Bernard Sumner" was a bit weird.
Recently read he chases Hacienda and Factory memories a lot and starting to wonder - is he just a cunt?
Anyone know (of) him? What's he like?
- www.independent.co.uk Man arrested over ‘Manchester Arena bomber’ Halloween costume
Pictures of man wearing headdress with slogan ‘I love Ariana Grande’ on T-shirt caused fury
> A man has been arrested after complaints about somebody appearing on social media wearing a Halloween costume depicting Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi. > > Abedi killed 22 people as well as himself when he detonated a bomb at the end of an Ariana Grande concert at the arena in May 2017. > > Pictures of a man wearing an Arabic-style headdress, with the slogan “I love Ariana Grande” on his T-shirt, and carrying a rucksack with “Boom” and “TNT” written on the front, caused fury when they were posted earlier this week.
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A new view of the Manchester Computer
rylandscollections.com Rylands BlogA new view of the Manchester ComputerSeventy five years ago, the University’s ‘Baby’ computer became the first electronic computer with a read/write memory to run a program. To mark this historic event, Professor Jim Miles (University…
cross-posted from: https://derp.foo/post/359319
> There is a discussion on Hacker News, but feel free to comment here as well.
- www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk The new Japanese restaurant in Altrincham being called the 'altar of sushi'
“It’s great to be back in Altrincham - it’s where it began for us"
- www.theguardian.com Aviva Studios opens in Manchester with Danny Boyle dance extravaganza
It is £130m over budget and four years late, but backers say it will be unlike any other arts venue in Europe
> It is £130m over its original budget, four years late and has a name not yet totally embraced, but Aviva Studios in Manchester, its backers say, will be unlike any other arts venue in Europe and its opening is “a landmark moment” for culture in the UK. > > The £242m building on the site of the former Granada television studios officially opened on Wednesday evening with an immersive dance production based on The Matrix and directed by Danny Boyle. > > “There is no denying it is a lot of money,” said Boyle of Aviva Studios’ cost. “You can go: ‘Why not build a hospital’, but the long-term benefit you get from the courage to press forward with this is incalculable.” > > The capital project has received £99m of Treasury money and is the UK’s biggest investment in a cultural project since Tate Modern in 2000. As well as the Covid pandemic and inflation, the “complexity and unique” nature of the building contributed to spiralling costs much higher than the £110m estimate made in 2014. > > ... > > The venue has a flexible 1,600-seat theatre and an open industrial warehouse-like performance space with a capacity for 5,000 people. > > The idea is that artists will be able to create ambitious works of a kind not seen anywhere else in the world. The building’s architect, Ellen van Loon, said it had to be a place where “anything could happen”. > > ... > > The building is a seen as a flag-bearer for attempts to better distribute public money to the arts across England. In the last spending round Arts Council England (Ace) cut £50m to arts organisations in London to support more groups outside the capital. > > Nicholas Serota, the chair of Ace, said it was investing £130m a year in the north of England and £10m a year would go to the organisation that commissions the work for Aviva Studios, Factory International. > > Factory International was the original name of the building until the council gave the naming rights to the insurance giant Aviva in return for £35m. Craig said it is “the largest private sector investment in arts and culture in this country,.” > > Backers of the 13,350 sq metre building say it will add £1.1bn to the economy of Manchester and the surrounding region over the next decade. It will create or support an additional 1,500 jobs, they say.
- www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk Gov pledges to extend tram line to Manchester Airport - where it already exists
"This will come as a shock to those who’ve been using the Metrolink line to Manchester airport since [checks notes].... November 2014"
> Following the news of the second leg of HS2 being scrapped on Wednesday (October 4) the government has instead announced the launch of 'Network North', with investments dubbed to improve transport and connectivity across the north of England. > > In the north west, it was announced that almost £4bn in cash would be found to 'improve connectivity', including a scheme to extend the Manchester Metrolink lines to Heywood, Bolton and Wigan. > > However, the government also announced that the Metrolink would be extended to Manchester Airport as a trade-off for the scrapping of HS2 - despite the fact the line already exists and was opened in November 2014.
- www.theguardian.com Andy Burnham: scrapping HS2 would be disaster for north of England
Greater Manchester mayor urges Rishi Sunak to listen to leaders in north before making decision on high-speed rail project
The mayor of Greater Manchester has urged ministers to talk to leaders in the north of England before scrapping HS2 and leaving it with “Victorian infrastructure” for the rest of the century.
Andy Burnham said he and the leader of Manchester city council, Bev Craig, would be writing to Rishi Sunak to say that while a rephasing of the rail project may be possible, cancelling the section to Manchester would create “a north-south chasm”.
“You really should not take this decision without listening to the voice of people here,” Burnham told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
Amid significant political anger about the much-trailed move, including within the Conservative party, it remains unclear when any decision might be taken.
Sunak and Jeremy Hunt, the chancellor, are expected to decide this week, with an announcement pencilled in for Friday.
However, northern Tories believe that scrapping the northern leg before the Conservative party conference in Manchester next weekend would be a huge political embarrassment, and are urging Sunak to wait while they push for a compromise solution.
Asked what would happen to the parallel Northern Powerhouse Rail project if HS2 ended at Birmingham, Burnham said: “Scrapping HS2 rips the heart out of Northern Powerhouse Rail. Basically it would leave the north of England with Victorian infrastructure probably for the rest of this century.
“If we’re trapped with that old infrastructure and the southern half of the country gets new lines, that is a recipe for the north-south divide to become a north-south chasm, the very opposite of the levelling up that we were promised in this parliament.”
In his letter to Sunak, Burnham said he and Craig would be saying: “Please at least do us the courtesy of meeting us and discussing this issue before you take any decision.”
He continued: “It’s frankly disrespectful to the people of the north of England that our voice has not been heard at all in this conversation that seems to be going on within government. This is a decision of epic proportions for our part of the world and we should be heard before it’s taken.
The second thing we’ll be saying in the letter is as part of any discussion, we would say whatever you decide to do, please don’t scrap it.”
If changes had to be made, Burnham said, he could be open to a possible rephashing of the northern section so Northern Powerhouse Rail was built first.
He said: “That is something we could have a discussion with the government about, but scrapping it will basically take everything off the table, the east-west line, Liverpool to Leeds as well.
“And that will be a disaster for people here in the north of England. It would leave us stuck with that Victorian infrastructure that causes so much chaos on our railways day after day.”
Asked about the plans for HS2 on Sky News, the housing minister, Rachel Maclean, was able to say only that there was “no announcement at the moment”.
“The focus is on delivering HS2,” she said, adding: “It’s not for me to say – I’m the housing minister.”
- www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk It's become so dear to live in Manchester there's a new divide no-one expected
A new study shows Mancunians are spending nearly 80 per cent of their monthly income on bills
> A new study has revealed that people living in Manchester are spending more of their monthly salary on bills than anywhere else in the UK. > > Mancunians are typically spending nearly 80 per cent of their income after tax on things like food, rent, bills and travel costs - compared to just 66 per cent for those living in London. > > ... > > According to the research, which involved polling 2,000 people and extracting information from Money Supermarket's database, Mancunians spent £1,784.90 a month or £59.50 a day - £11 more than the UK average. > > The city spends more on energy, phone contracts, car insurance, pet insurance than anywhere else in the country. And it ranks among the highest for broadband bills and school costs, including clothes and childcare. > > We also have the highest spend on toiletries, gym membership, gaming and news subscriptions. > > Despite Londoners having the highest average income - £30,302 - and spending an average of £55.72 on essential items per day, their higher income means people in the city spend among the lowest proportion of their income on bills. > > In contrast, Mancunians typically have 76 per cent of their £28,158 average income committed each month, and have the lowest disposable income.
- www.bbc.com Wigan trial to put out two-year underground fire begins
A new technique will attempt to put out a colliery spoil fire which has been burning since 2021.
> Colliery spoil left over from the industrial past has been alight under Green Lane in Leigh, Wigan, since 2021. > > A three-week trial of injecting liquid grout to extinguish two fire hotspots is due to start this month.
- www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk We went to Europe's largest video arcade and I had to drag the kids out
The Arcade Club has four floors packed with more than 400 retro and modern arcade games
> Tucked away down a side street in Bury is Ela Mill, home to the Arcade Club. > > It's been open since 2015 and, except for its temporary closure during the pandemic, has since been packed with players of every age. > > There are hundreds of retro and modern machines for visitors to enjoy - from classic and modern arcade games, to pinball machines and so much more. > > There's everything from Pac-Man and Space Invaders to Donkey Kong and Sega Rally and kids can play their modern favourites like Fortnite and Rocket League. > > It was already a gamer's paradise, but with the addition of a fourth floor last September, there's now an even bigger offering at the site, with pool tables, a separate VR room and even its own Hurricane Simulator.