South Yorkshire Chief Constable Steve Watson has been chosen as the man to lead Greater Manchester Police into a new era, according to the Manchester Evening News.
The MEN published a piece on Wednesday morning revealing that Watson had been chosen from a list of three candidates for the role – which has been filled temporarily by Ian Pilling since Ian Hopkins’ departure in December.
Ex-Constable Hopkins stepped down at the end of last year after GMP entered special measures when it was revealed that over 80,000 crimes had gone unreported.
His replacement Watson has been described as “one of the most experienced senior officers in the country,” with a career spanning three decades.
He has held positions at Merseyside Police, Metropolitan Police and Durham Constabulary, as well as being appointed a senior member of the 2012 Olympic Command Team (and awarded the Commissioner’s Commendation).
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Watson took the Chief Constable post at South Yorkshire Police in 2016 and was credited with turning around a “troubled” department – with the force named ‘most improved’ in the country three years in a row.
Watson’s official appointment as Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police is expected to be confirmed later today (March 24).
Feature image: South Yorkshire Police
News
Prestwich’s regeneration plans take another step forward
Danny Jones
The regeneration plans being put forward for Prestwich have taken another step forward as a construction company has new been appointed to bring the vision of a new village centre to life.
With full planning permission for phase one of the redevelopment granted back in July 2024, it’s been pretty much full speed ahead on lining up one of Greater Manchester’s latest regeneration projects and adding more to what is already one of its best up-and-coming suburbs.
Prestwich Village Regeneration LLP are pumping over £100 million into developing the main square, and with Chroma Consulting having now passed on the baton to those erecting this new-look town centre, the joint venture between Bury Council and national ‘place maker’ Muse, work can soon begin.
You can see one of the first early renders down below:
CGIs of the new space around the Longfield Centre. (Credit: Supplied)
VINCI Building were officially appointed as construction partners last month, and with enabling works (surveys, ground investigations and so forth) now complete, the contractors are expected to get underway soon.
Additions to the vibrant new village centre will include a multi-storey Travel Hub, which will also see 301 new parking spaces, along with electric vehicle charging points, cycle storage and a car club. This will replace the Fairfax Road car park, which closed when the early stage began last December.
Beyond this, the Prestwich regeneration plans are set to include a community hub, library and flexible community space for arts and cultural events, a new Prestwich Health Centre; a fresh village square with ‘family-friendly social places’ and room for open-air markets, festivals and more.
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A dedicated Prestwich Village Market hall will be the perfect place to house local retailers as well as food and drink vendors, not to mention a much better entry point into the village courtesy of plans to transform the “arrival experience from the tram” by integrating with surrounding green spaces.
Speaking of which, there will also be extensive landscaping in and around the village centre, with the existing fountain set to be removed and new public art installations created in its place.
A glimpse at the new Prestwich Village Market.An overview of all three phases.Credit: Supplied
Beyond the public spaces, over 200 new homes – which made up a big part of the initial application – are also included in the wider vision, with a mix of affordable housing and FTB (first-time buyers) properties.
Leader of Bury Council, Eamonn O’Brien, said of the latest developments: “We are thrilled to announce the next stage in this multi-million pound transformational regeneration scheme, which marks a significant step towards revitalising the heart of Prestwich Village and creating a vibrant, sustainable future for all.
“As well as enhancing local infrastructure, our ambitious plans will foster economic growth and improve the quality of life for the whole community.” A final completion date is yet to be confirmed, but work on the Travel Hub specifically is set to carry over into next year.
Exciting times are ahead for Prestwich. It’s not the only borough making plans for the next chapter and set for a bit of TLC.
Co-op Live is running a limited two-for-one offer on gig tickets
Daisy Jackson
Co-op Live has announced a limited run of two-for-one gig tickets ahead of one of this month’s biggest shows at the huge venue.
The massive arena has launched a range of buy-one-get-one-free tickets ahead of the upcoming Sugababes gig.
Full price Sugababes tickets are currently coming in at £70.50, but with these special tickets you can nab one for just £36.95.
Co-op Live has said it wants to ‘give fans a very special offer’ with the huge pop concert just around the corner.
Sugababes are one of the UK’s best-loved girl bands, now back with their original line-up and going from strength to strength.
Last year it was a major appearance at Parklife’s main stage, now they’re on to the biggest of Manchester venues with a gig at Co-op Live on Friday 11 April.
Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan, and Siobhán Donaghy will be performing hits from their impressive 27 year career.
That’ll include hits like Round Round, Too Lost In You, About You Now, Freak Like Me and Overload.
In a message shared to fans, Co-op Live said: “With the Sugababes tour just around the corner, we’re giving fans a very special offer.
“Grab your friends and grab our 2-4-1 ticket discount to see Sugababes live in Manchester this April!
“There are a limited number of offer tickets available, so do not miss your chance and make sure you grab yours before they are gone!”
The two-for-one Sugababes tickets for their Co-op Live gig are available HERE until the day of the gig, or until they sell out.
The Manc -
24th March 2021 
