New imagery has revealed the vision to transform the former Central Retail Park in Manchester city centre.
The huge site, just off Great Ancoats Street, was bought by the council back in 2017 and completely demolished a few years later.
In its heyday, it was home to stores including Toys R Us, Mothercare, Argos and JD Sports.
As the surrounding area has undergone a huge transformation, including the building of massive apartment blocks, the extension of Halle St Peters, and the addition of a booming restaurant scene, Central Retail Park has remained an eyesore.
But all that could be about to change, with grand plans for the area in the works – and a six-week public consultation is now open for residents and local businesses to give feedback.
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The former Central Retail Park. Credit: Google Maps
A refreshed Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) was heard by the Council’s Executive in December, with a commitment that the regeneration will create a ‘high-quality, sustainable office district with attractive public realm at its heart’.
The vision for the former Central Retail Park will include a home for around 8000 jobs, space for shops and cafes, and – crucially – a green space.
The space would be a public link through to Cotton Field Park, and would be the heart of the low-carbon commercial district.
There have been repeated calls for the whole area to be turned into a new public park, a ‘green lung’ for the city centre and the neighbourhoods to its immediate north.
The vision also includes new and improved links for pedestrians and cyclists in the area.
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You can comment on the draft SRF by completing Manchester City Council’s consultation questionnaire at manchester.gov.uk/consultations.
Featured image: Manchester City Council
Manchester
Police appeal to find next of kin after man found outside Palace Theatre
Daisy Jackson
Police are trying to track down the family of a man who died after being found unresponsive outside the Palace Theatre in Manchester.
The man, who has now been named as Jonathan Bernard Carroll, was seen outside the city centre theatre at around 6.30am on Tuesday 12 November.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and Mr Carroll was taken to hospital.
Tragically, the 47-year-old passed away a short time later.
A large cordon was in place on Whitworth Street and Oxford Road while police and security attended the incident.
Greater Manchester Police are now appealing to find his next of kin.
It’s believed that he resided in the Salford area of Greater Manchester.
Anyone with any information should contact the Coroner’s Office on 0161 856 1376.
Foldies – Popular Manchester pizza joint to open ‘the world’s greatest sandwich shop’
Daisy Jackson
The team behind Manchester’s much-loved Brewski and American Pies have announced a brand-new concept.
They’re claiming that Foldies, which is opening in the city centre later this month, will be ‘the world’s greatest sandwich shop’.
The team are already the proud creators of Brewski, home of outrageous creations like the ‘batter platter‘ (which included chicken poutine butties, beef shin rag pudding and a katsu curry fondue) as well as their deep-dish pizzas over at American Pies.
They recently shifted American Pies from its spot on Mosley Street, right near the Manchester Art Gallery, to Cutting Room Square in Ancoats, leaving that prime site ready for a new concept.
Enter Foldies, where you’ll find stone-baked sandwiches filled with overnight slow-cooked or cured meats and sauces made in house daily.
These folded pizza-style butties will be ready in 60 seconds and they claim it’ll be ‘your first true sandwich love’.
Foldies sandwiches by Brewski. Credit: BrewskiBrewski claims Foldies will be ‘the world’s greatest sandwich shop’
The dough for the sandwiches will be made with double zero flour, proved for 12 hours before being folded and cooked on a stone at 400 degrees.
Foldies will also served breakfast sandwiches, with fillings including scrambled sage and cheddar egg, and bacon, nduja, egg and crumbled goat’s cheese.
At lunchtimes, there’ll be everything from mortadella and pistachio pesto to a ‘pizza dog’ with crispy onions, Korean BBQ and fries.
Foldies is set to open at 58 Mosley Street at the end of November, and will be open from 7.30am-11.30am for breakfast, and 11.30am-6pm for lunch.
They’re currently giving away a chance to win free sandwiches for a year too – you can see more on that HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
4th January 2023 
