The Manchester Aquatics Centre is set to close its main pool and gym for 18 months.
The huge leisure centre will be almost completely closed to the public from the end of this month until late spring 2023, and it’s all part of a £31 million refurbishment plan for the facility, which will see its swimming pools, gyms and cafe upgraded.
The Manchester Aquatics Centre was purpose-built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games and opened in 2000.
Its initial build cost £32 million, and Manchester City Council is set to spend almost as much again so that it won’t “wither and die”.
Speaking back in January, when the plans were first submitted, Councillor Luthfur Rahman said: “This one-off investment will ensure that Manchester Aquatic Centre maintains its place as one of the leading aquatics venues in the UK for the next 20 years and more.
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Leisure has a crucial role to play in Manchester’s recovery from the social, health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and it would be unthinkable to allow this key element of the city’s overall swimming provision, which also contributes to our global sporting reputation, to wither and die.
“But that is what would be likely to happen without serious investment.”
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The £31 million refurbishments are to ensure the centre won’t “wither and die” / Credit: Manchester City Council
The plans will also mean that the centre’s carbon footprint will be reduced.
The closure, which will come into effect at the end of Friday 26 November, will see everything but the training pool close, with only limited public swimming available.
Members will be able to make use of nearby Better UK leisure centres – including the Sugden Sports Centre, Moss Side Leisure Centre, and Hough End Leisure Centre.
Featured Image – Flickr (Allen Watkin)
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Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
It’s with great sadness that I note the death of Bernard Hill. We worked together in John Paul George Ringo and Bert, Willy Russell marvellous show 1974-1975. A really marvellous actor. It was a privilege to have crossed paths with him. RIP Benny x#bernardhillpic.twitter.com/UPVDCo3ut8
Some images bring back a glut of memories and emotions. There are times when it feels like we are all just a pay day away from this. Surely one of the most powerful tv performances ever.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.