New research has revealed who the real “winners and losers” were during Greater Manchester’s unprecedented property boom in 2020.
Bryn, Radcliffe, Cadishead, Hulme and Moss Side have all emerged as some of the hottest areas in the region, according to data compiled by Manchester-based conveyancing specialist JMW Solicitors LLP.
By comparing Google Trends data from July 2019 to July 2020, JMW found that searches for homes for sale in Bryn – a sought-after area of Ashton-in-Makerfield in Wigan – had increased by 179%, from 140 to a whopping 390.
Radcliffe (132%), Cadishead (125%), Hulme (100%) and Moss Side (100%) all showed similar increases, as the property market surged following the first lockdown.
Bryn – a sought-after area of Ashton-in-Makerfield in Wigan – tops the list / Credit: JMW Solicitors LLP
“The unprecedented impact and disruption of the coronavirus pandemic on all aspects of life has resulted in many people choosing to re-evaluate their priorities.” said Andrew Garvie, Head of Real Estate Residential from JMW Solicitors LLP.
“With more people spending more time indoors than ever before due to the lockdown, it’s little wonder that thousands of families have chosen to change their living arrangements.
“Greater Manchester was no exception to the property market boom that was noted across the UK after the first lockdown, with thousands of searches carried out among prospective homeowners looking to relocate.”
“Thousands of families have chosen to change their living arrangements.” / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
While the vast majority of areas across Greater Manchester recorded an increase in demand amid the national property market boom, others have seen their popularity dwindle, with Google searches for properties in some areas remaining stagnant despite the lift.
Aspull, Rusholme, Northenden and Kearsley each gained the same number of searches in July 2019 as they did in July 2020, meaning they experienced 0% growth amid the busier period.
The good news is that nowhere in Greater Manchester, where data was available, experienced a reduction in popularity during this time.
Andrew Garvie added: “While it is interesting to see that many more urban spots, including the usually popular Fallowfield, saw no growth following the first lockdown of 2020, we are seeing a rise in people moving to the outskirts of the city, possibly in search of a quieter life with more outdoor space.
“The pandemic certainly brought about a shift in the type of properties people were searching for, and we can only expect this quest for larger homes with gardens in quieter spots to continue well into the future.”
Nowhere in Greater Manchester experienced a reduction in popularity / Credit: JMW Solicitors LLP
Looking at the situation nationally, house prices across the UK hit record highs in 2020, despite the economic downturn as a result of widespread restrictions.
According to Halifax’s mortgage-tracking index, house prices increased by 7.6% in the year to November 2020, while Nationwide’s index pointed to a 6.5% rise and similarly, Rightmove estimated that asking prices had jumped up by 6.6% in the 12 months to December.
The Office for National Statistics’ transaction data also pinpointed a 5.4% increase to October.
No-phones nightclub Amber’s has announced it is relaunching its second room
Danny Jones
Manchester’s famous no-phones nightclub, Amber’s, is preparing for a relaunch of its second room, just over half a year on from the venue’s opening week.
The smash hit, semi-censored space, which enforces a strictly no-device policy to ensure those in attendance maximise their amount of in-the-moment enjoyment without any risk of distraction, has just announced that they will be reworking ‘Room 2’.
Confirmed just in time for the rest of summer ‘season three’, where plenty of people will be opting to rave instead of splash their cash on Oasis and/or festival tickets, the soon-to-be-refreshed space will partner with audio specialists to provide an experience set to rival the main room.
Sharing a post featuring blueprints for the fixtures and some of the top-end equipment, new-look second room opens its doors early next month.
Writing on social media, the venue wrote: “Amber’s is proud to announce the relaunch of Room Two, featuring a brand new custom soundsystem designed by Norwegian pro-audio specialist NNNN and OJAS, and installed by Neuron Audio Visual.
“The collaboration between Amber’s and NNNN is the first time that the Oslo-based company, which specialises in innovating the future of audio, has created a speaker system for use in the UK. Amber’s will be the first venue in the country to house the state-of-the-art system.”
“The partnership furthers our commitment to world-class sound and creating a truly unique club space in the heart of Manchester. Room Two also now boasts a brand new lighting system and has received bespoke acoustic treatment.”
Reacting to the news, plenty of punters and artists alike are already stoked to see what they have in store; promoters ABB Events simply said, “We can’t wait to test this out 26 September.”
Speaking to The Manc, a regular visitor of Amber’s Manchester told us: “Room Two at Amber’s always felt a little forgotten – a space with potential, but lacking the same pull as the main room. With this new Soundsystem they’re putting in, it finally feels like it’s getting the love it deserves.”
While we understand the urge to document those ‘unforgettable’ gig moments – that does kind of go against what we build them up to be, hence why the Amber’s concept has gone down so well.
Teasing a lineup of “the best in house, techno and groove”, Amber’s Room Two 2.0 will debut on 2 August, and regulars are buzzing for it.
As always, the headliner remains unannounced to keep that allure, as well as that further added feeling of anticipation and excitement.
Inside One Port Street, the Northern Quarter’s luxury new 32-storey apartment block
Daisy Jackson
A towering new development in the Northern Quarter has revealed its open date – and given a sneak glimpse inside the luxury apartments.
One Port Street is a £195m development on the doorstep of both the Northern Quarter and Ancoats, standing at 32 storeys tall and boasting 477 open-plan apartments.
And this major new development will also be home to a 2000 sq ft leisure facility with a swimming pool, a spa pool, and an urban garden, with a total of 22,000 sq ft of public green space.
The building’s hit a major milestone this month, finally confirming an opening date of February 2026.
One Port Street has been developed by Select Property in partnership with prestigious architects SimpsonHaugh.
Inside, each apartment will offer an industrial aesthetic with exposed textures, and apartments ranging in size from one bed to three.
There’ll be glass balcony balustrades, with a pattern inspired by textile patterns from the Whitworth Art Gallery.
As well as the apartments, One Port Street will have high-spec indoor and outdoor working and socialising spaces, such as a 360° firepit, state-of-the-art gym and yoga studios, and co-working spaces.
CGIs of how One Port Street will look when it’s completed. Credit: Jon Parker Lee
On the 7th floor, there’ll be a resident lounge and external terrace, named after a tavern which stood on Port Street 200 years ago, plus a secret room for residents called The Hideout.
Ian Simpson, Founder Partner at SimpsonHaugh, said: “One Port Street embodies the rich architectural diversity of Manchester.
“This development offers more than just a place to live, work, and socialise – it’s a sanctuary within the city’s most creative and lively neighbourhood. It’s a true example of what a sustainable, modern community should be.”
Inside a One Port Street apartment. Credit: The Manc Group
Adam Price, CEO at Select Property, added: “One Port Street is set to be a true landmark for Manchester and represents everything we believe modern residential living should be – design-led, community-minded and connected to its surroundings and local heritage.
“The Northern Quarter has long been the focal point of Manchester’s creativity and culture and this new development takes inspiration from that while bringing something new to the community.
“The response so far has been phenomenal, and as we enter the final phase, we’re proud to be collaborating with local artists and independent businesses to bring the finishing touches to life, ahead of welcoming our first residents. Make sure you join the waitlist to be part of this exciting story.”
One Port Street is set to complete in February 2026 and you can see more here.
Emily Sergeant -
27th May 2021 
