It goes without saying that 2020 has been an absolute horror show of a year.
The coronavirus pandemic has battered both the bodies and minds of millions of people across the country and stop-start lockdowns have driven thousands of businesses into the ground.
In Manchester this is no different.
Some of our most beloved bars and restaurants closed their doors for the last time during the first lockdown, and many others decided that they just couldn’t continue when restrictions eventually loosened. Then, when the government imposed a 10pm curfew on hospitality, the camel’s back was well and truly broken.
Stevenson Square
One thing, however, about Greater Manchester’s small business industry, is that it’s filled with individuals who will put up a fight no matter the opponent – and over the last six months the city has proven time and time again that it is one durable bastard.
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So when Lockdown 2.0 began on Thursday 5 November, following a second wave of coronavirus infections and rising hospital admissions across the country, the city’s hospitality industry was prepared for another round of boxing clever.
And this time, Deliveroo was there early to provide bars and restaurants with more visibility than ever – bringing more Manchester vendors than ever to the platform and providing plenty of deals to tempt hungry punters into ordering from their favourite haunts.
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So in order to amplify that visibility for our city’s businesses who have had to once again fall back on a delivery service, we’ve decided to partner with the online food delivery company.
Working alongside Deliveroo, The Manc will ensure all restaurants on the service will get the amplification they need across our social platforms. We’ll update our 1-million strong audience on your latest updates and deals and we’ll create conversations with the masses about our favourite scran from your menus. Basically, we will champion you, and we will go above and beyond to do it.
For the remainder of the lockdown, and slightly beyond, we will pedal your establishments as much as physically possible. We’ll write content, we’ll post stories, we’ll create grid carousels, we’ll retweet you, and more importantly, we’ll be available for a chat whenever you need one (our DMs and emails are always open).
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And to those who aren’t on Deliveroo, don’t worry. Use the #StillServingMCR hashtag on your socials so ourselves, and our audience, can find you.
Let’s get through this second, and hopefully last, lockdown one step at a time. 2020 is almost behind us, and we can’t wait to see you all in the summer.
News
Work begins on new £500m ‘culture hub’ with a cinema and performance spaces in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Work is finally beginning on a new £500 million culture hub in Manchester.
The first phase of plans to transform Wythenshawe Civic has entered an exciting new chapter, with Manchester City Council and placemaker Muse officially commencing construction of the new Culture Hub – which is tipped to provide a ‘major boost’ for budding artists, and creative groups and organisations in the area.
The hub is set to include space for food and drink on the ground floor, while the first floor is home to a mix of artist studio spaces and flexible areas for workshops, exhibitions, classes, and community events.
Locals can also expect a brand-new 40-seater cinema, which has been included following feedback given during a public consultation, and 200-seater performance space for a diverse range of performances.
Everything from dance and drama, to music and modern art will fill the performance spaces once the hub opens.
Expected to be completed in 2027, the Culture Hub sits within the first phase of a wider plan to ‘refresh’ Wythenshawe Civic, and will come to life thanks to £20 million of funding from the UK Government and a further £11.9 million from the Council.
What Wythenshawe Civic Centre looks like currently, before being transformed / Credit: Wikipedia Commons
“Listening to local people over the last year and more, we know that Wythenshawe residents want more from their town centre – more things to do, opportunities to spend time in Civic and night time attractions that give the area a lift and attract visitors,” explained Cllr Bev Craig, who is the leader of Manchester City Council.
“This is the drive behind the Culture Hub – a place for local people with an interest in the arts to take part in creative activities, see a show, or enjoy the cinema space, right in the heart of their community.
“This is another exciting chapter in the transformation of Wythenshawe town centre.”
Joe Stockton, Development Director at Muse, called the construction of the new Culture Hub an ‘exciting moment’ for Wythenshawe.
He added: “Our aim is to create a space for the town’s talented artists and creatives to come together and give them the facilities and the space they’ve asked for, to put on amazing shows, live performances, and workshops.
“It’s all part of the wider plan to create opportunities for residents, new homes and jobs, as well as a thriving high street for people to spend time in.”
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
News
Police launch investigation after man found ‘injured and unresponsive’ in Manchester road
Emily Sergeant
A police investigation has been launched after a man was found ‘injured and unresponsive’ in the middle of a road in Manchester.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) was called out Plymouth Grove, in the Longsight area of Manchester, at around 9pm this past Friday (30 January), and when they arrived at the scene, found a 61-year-old man lying in the road.
After being found ‘unresponsive’, the man was immediately taken to hospital, where he is currently being treated for head injuries.
At this time, it is currently unknown how than man came to be in the road.
With so many questions left to answer, and a police investigation now underway being led by GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, officers are now urgently appealing to the public for witnesses and information.
“We have an open mind as we investigate how this man became to be injured,” explained PC Megan Stockton in the appeal. “However, there is the possibility he was struck by a vehicle.
“We are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area at the time, particularly anybody who may have dashcam footage taken in the area on Friday night.”
Can you help? If you have any information that could assist GMP’s investigation, then please contact police on 0161 856 4741, quoting incident number 3421 of 30/01/26, or by calling 101 or using the LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.