Building work is said to be now “well underway” on Manchester‘s first new primary school in the city centre in almost 20 years.
After plans were first agreed back in February 2020, and Manchester City Council announced back in October 2021 that the green light had finally been given for the institution after nearly two decades without one in the city centre, things are now said to be taking shape at the brand-new 210-place Crown Street Primary School – which is located just at the end of Deansgate.
With the first pupils expected through its doors September 2024, the Council says the school forms “an important part” of the wider regeneration of the Great Jackson Street area at the southern end of the city centre.
The school will open with a 26-place Pre-School class and a 30-place Reception class, before expanding in size as those students move through the school, until it has pupils in each year group from Pre-School to Year 6.
There will also be an on-site Day Care centre for children who are younger than three.
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The school will be nestled between two neighbouring towers, The Blade and Elizabeth Tower, as part of the wider residential development of the area by Manchester-based property developers Renaker – which is set to be made up of 6,300 high-quality new homes.
There’ll also be city centre park with a children’s play area, a medical facility, and a dental studio, as well as a variety of independent restaurants, bars, and a cookery school.
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Manchester City Council has appointed the Laurus Trust to operate the new school.
The Council’s preferred operator, and also agreed by the Department for Education (DfE), the Laurus Trust is highly-regarded for the education it provides, and already operates Didsbury High School, as well as several others across the Greater Manchester region.
“As more people move into the city centre and make it their home it’s really important we make sure they have the infrastructure they need to let them live their lives, whatever stage they’re at,” explained Councillor Garry Bridges – Executive Member for Early Years, Children, and Young People at Manchester City Council – ahead of the new school opening.
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“Having a good local school on their doorstep is what every family wants.
“We’re determined to make sure this is something that is also available to our fast-growing city centre community.
“With the Laurus Trust on board Crown Street Primary looks set to be a brilliant school in the heart of our city that should serve generations of families and children in the city centre for years to come.”
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
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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.
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.