New drone footage of the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester has been released, and it shows the impressive “scale and ambition” of its current multi-million-pound restoration project.
The new drone footage – which gives an aerial view of the site to outline the huge footprint of the museum, and most-notably show the work being delivered on the Power Hall roof – was captured by by David Bewick at Boca films, and has been assembled into a short film which is now available to watch on YouTube and the museum’s social media platforms.
The film also shows some of the repairs being made to other parts of the museum, and future plans for the significant heritage site.
In case you didn’t already know, the Science and Industry Museum in the heart of Manchester city centre is currently undergoing a “critical” programme of restoration works, which will eventually reveal some exciting new spaces and perspectives for visitors to enjoy, play, and learn in once it reopens to the public.
The restoration work currently ongoing is aiming to transform the Grade I and Grade II-listed Victorian buildings that make up the seven-acre city centre museum site.
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See the immense scale of our seven-acre restoration programme in this short film.
Explore our historic site from new heights with inspiring drone footage and take a closer look at revolution in progress.
— Science and Industry Museum (@sim_manchester) June 21, 2022
The works will create improved gallery experiences, which include the iconic Power Hall – where the term Northern Powerhouse was actually coined – and the 1830 Station and Warehouse, which are some of the world’s earliest railway buildings.
The museum is also creating new connections through to The Factory – a landmark new cultural space in the city opening next year – and the River Irwell and beyond, all with the aim of “enhancing the sense of place” in its vibrant quarter of Manchester.
A number of outdoor areas are also being planted, according to the museum, with colourful new schemes to encourage biodiversity and indoor and outdoor areas for families.
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The Science and Industry Museum is currently undergoing a “critical” programme of restoration works / Credit: Science Museum Group
“This is a very exciting time,” explained Sally MacDonald, director of the Science and Industry Museum.
“We have the honour of occupying some truly exceptional buildings, which are in urgent need of restoration and we are working with specialists and taking great care to transform them, addressing historic issues to conserve important details, but also looking to the future to ensure our buildings are sustainable and provide the best experiences for visitors.”
She continued: “We’re sorry if the work causes disruption, but we are sure that the final results will be well worth it, as more visitors from our local communities and beyond can enjoy the museum and continue to be inspired by the wonder of science and industry.”
The museum remains open to the public while the restoration works are taking place / Credit: Science Museum Group
“What can be achieved here will bring lifelong benefit to everyone who lives in and visits the city and it can transform the site into a place that not just explores ideas that change the world but a museum that can itself change people’s worlds through wonder and play, and inspire curiosity, confidence, and skills,” she added.
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The Science and Industry Museum remains open to the public while restoration works are taking place, with several exhibitions and experiences to make the most of.
First look at Albert Square as Manchester Christmas Markets return to their spiritual home
Thomas Melia
Manchester Christmas Markets are back and all our Christmas wishes have come true, as its spiritual home Albert Square joins in on the festivities for the first time in six years.
Grab a mulled wine, toast yourself a marshmallow and take a seat, because we’re going to take you on a quick tour of this brand-new offering.
You’ll be able to tick off your Christmas Markets wish list in one place, as Manchester has got all your usual favourites and so much more taking place right here outside of its iconic Town Hall.
As soon as you walk in you’re greeted by a huge sign spelling out the city’s iconic abbreviation ‘MCR’, just in case you forgot where you were, that also doubles as a nice photo opportunity.
Albert Square in Manchester city centre is getting into the Christmas spirit for the first time in six years / Credit: The Manc Group
As you walk into Albert Square there’s a mix of nostalgic wooden huts and brightly coloured modern street food vendor stations waiting to tempt you with all their tasty treats.
There’s no messing around at this Christmas hotspot because not even 10 feet after you enter, you can warm up with a glühwein and bratwurst, yes please.
Think you’re done sampling some festive feasts? Think again as there’s a marshmallow toasting station, a roasted chestnut cart and lots of huts are offering their own hot chocolate creations.
Local street food vendor Rita’s Reign has made her mark in Albert Square too, serving up her foodie feasts with a seasonal spin such as the ‘Festive Feast’ and ‘Christmas Crunch’ combo boxes.
Rita’s Reign is just one of many food vendors at Manchester Christmas Markets / Credit: The Manc Group
As you keep making your way round there’s some lovely gifts and trinkets to browse including tree decorations, ornaments and some vibrant pieces of art.
There’s plenty of ways to keep the kids (and big kids) entertained with some carnival-themed games and stalls as well as a vintage carousel, if that doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit what else will?
Of course, there’s even more food to mention like mini dutch pancakes, toasted sandwiches, French toast, the list is endless (Much like many of our Christmas lists).
And we couldn’t finish our visit without acknowledging the elephant in the room, also known as The Manchester Big Wheel, which is the perfect people-watching spot, but maybe hop on this ride before you try all the tasty treats mentioned above.
Drivers warned of ‘bad habit’ that could land them with £1,000 fines this winter
Emily Sergeant
Drivers are being warned of a ‘bad habit’ on the roads that could seem them hit with hefty fines as winter rolls around.
Once the temperatures drop, and the days get shorter and darker, fog tends to become a more common weather occurrence around this time of year – but an eye-opening new survey has found that most drivers don’t really how to use their fog lights correctly.
According to guidance from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), fog lights should only be used on British roads when visibility drops below 100 metres, yet the new research by eBay has found that 60% of drivers use their fog lights at the wrong times, and what’s more is that one in 10 say they switch on their fog lights when visibility is less than 300 metres.
48% of drivers who took part in the research admitted that they activate full-beam headlights when it’s dark, regardless of oncoming traffic and other road users.
Drivers are being warned of a ‘bad habit’ that could land them with £1,000 fines this winter / Credit: Nabeel Syed (via Unsplash)
The RAC says these stats reveal a ‘worrying trend’ among motorists, and have warned that these habits could actually means drivers are risking fines of up to £1,000 and three penalty points on their licence.
If the incorrect usage of fog lights wasn’t bad enough as it is, the new research also found that many Brits say they do not stay on-top of regular car maintenance when it comes to car fog lights, either – with just 15% saying they check them every month, and shockingly, 24% stating they’ve never checked them before.
Due to the ongoing issue of headlight glare, in whatever form that may be, The RAC has found that as many as one in four drivers (25%) who find headlights ‘too bright’ are actually driving less as a result.
“Unfortunately for a lot of drivers, the annual onset of darker evenings coincides with another unwelcome arrival – that of overly-bright headlights that they believe make driving more difficult due to dazzle and discomfort,” explained Rod Dennis, who is the Senior Policy Officer at the RAC.
“While most of us have no choice other than to adapt to driving at night more often as the clocks go back, the fact headlight glare is the leading cause of nervousness underlines it’s a problem that needs tackling.
“At the same time, it’s important to remember that brighter headlights can give drivers a better view of the road ahead, so there’s a balance to be struck.”
Emily Sergeant -
22nd June 2022 
