Swanky Manchester aparthotel Native has announced it will give away 222 rooms for free this year to mark 2022.
Situated in a converted warehouse just a stone’s throw from the Northern Quarter and Manchester Piccadilly rail station, Native is one of the leading lifestyle aparthotels in the UK.
Known for its stylish, spacious and dog-friendly accommodation spanning lofts, studios and duplex penthouses, the complex features 166 individually designed large self-contained luxury apartments with a separately-operated bar, mini cinema and restaurant below.
Image: Native
Already incredibly popular with the Northern Quarter and Ancoats crowd, now the hotel group has announced details of a year-long room giveaway – in addition to 20% off room discounts, 50% food and an invite for kids to eat for free during holidays.*
Launching on 22 February, Native Manchester will begin the giveaway this month with 22 free rooms.
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More free accommodation will be up for grabs throughout the year as the hotel group celebrates different occasions.
During the Queen’s jubilee, for example, the hotel plans to make 70 rooms available to commemorate her 70th anniversary as monarch.
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In order to get your hands on a free room, you’ll have to sign up to the ‘Be Native’ community where users can unlock special offers, such as prizes and discounts by playing quirky games.
The offers you can redeem are valid on stays across all Native Places aparthotels in the UK, as well as dining offers at Manchester Native only.
Native Places’ locations beyond Manchester include London, Glasgow an Edinburgh, spanning a total of six unique aparthotels across the UK.
Just like the site in Manchester, each breathes new life into an historic building, be that a historical estate, the former home of the Anchor Line shipping company with original features dating to 1906, or a converted tea warehouse.
Image: Native
Native Manchester at Ducie Street Warehouse is one of the only places in Manchester to offer leisure staycations with large self-contained luxury apartments offering a truly home from home stay.
Native Manchester is an award-winning aparthotel that features 166 individually designed apartments, including studios, loft apartments and eight duplex penthouses with private terraces offering panoramic views across the city.
*Terms and conditions apply.
News
Government grants local councils power to make pavement parking illegal in their region
Emily Sergeant
New powers are being made available to local leaders across England to introduce pavement parking restrictions in their area.
Blocked pavements can create serious barriers for parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users, blind and partially sighted people, and older people, and campaigners say this limits individuals’ independence and makes everyday journeys harder and less safe for them.
So, in a bid to help keep pavements clear and accessible for everyone who uses them, the Government has introduced new local powers.
Following a public consultation – which first took place all the way back in 2020 – the Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that local leaders will be given ‘new and improved’ legal powers to make it easier to restrict pavement parking across wider areas, rather than relying on the previous approach where action was often limited to individual streets.
The Government has granted local councils the power to make pavement parking illegal in their region / Credit: Samuel Regan-Asante (via Unsplash)
The Government says local leaders ‘know their streets best’ and are therefore best placed to respond to local needs.
Under this new approach, local leaders will be able to decide to take action on pavement parking in their area, while still getting to retain flexibility where they deem pavement parking may still be acceptable.
“Clear pavements are essential for people to move around safely and independently, whether that’s a parent with a pushchair, someone using a wheelchair, or a blind or partially sighted person,” commented Local Transport Minister, Lilian Greenwood.
Blocked pavements can make it harder for parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users and blind or partially sighted people to get around.
That’s why we’re giving local authorities stronger powers to tackle pavement parking and keep pavements accessible. https://t.co/PIqkIw1LF2
“That’s why we’re giving local authorities the power to crack down on problem pavement parking, allowing more people to travel easily and safely and get to where they need to go.”
By putting decision-making closer to communities, the Government says this approach supports safer and more inclusive streets that ‘work better for everyone’.
The DfT will set out guidance to help local authorities use these powers in a ‘proportionate’ and ‘locally appropriate’ way later in 2026.
Featured Image – Sado Lavren (via Unsplash)
News
Ian McKellen to play legendary Salford artist L.S. Lowry in new BBC documentary
Emily Sergeant
Sir Ian McKellen has landed himself an exciting new role, and he’s set to play one of Greater Manchester’s most iconic sons.
One of the most celebrated British actors of all time playing one of the most celebrated British artists of all time? It was meant to be. That’s right, Ian McKellen is set to portray Salford’s very-own L.S. Lowry in the new BBC documentary, L.S. Lowry: The Unheard Tapes, produced by award-winning Wall to Wall Mediaand coming soon to BBC Two and iPlayer.
Marking 50 years since Lowry’s death, this immersive documentary film will focus on the touching and often surprising exchange between the enigmatic artist and Angela Barratt – a young fan whose interviews capture Lowry in his most intimate and reflective moments.
Recorded in the artist’s own living room, these tapes reveal Lowry’s authentic voice, which Burnley-born actor McKellen will lip-sync on screen.
Across these candid conversations, Lowry traces his journey from childhood right through to his final days, sharing the memories and experiences that shaped him both as an artist, and crucially, as a man.
Alongside this deeply personal account, the documentary is also set to explore the dramatic transformation of Salford and Greater Manchester, which Lowry, of course, depicted so prolifically in his work.
“To give play to Lowry through his own voice has been a unique privilege,” commented Ian McKellen as his casting was announced this week.
“These tapes reveal an intimate insight into the artist’s thoughts – his ambitions, regrets and his humour. Anyone like me, who admires his paintings and drawings, will be intrigued and delighted that the artist is brought back to life through his own words.”
Mark Bell, who is the Commissioning Editor at BBC Arts, added: “Marking 50 years since Lowry’s death, and celebrating Arena’s own 50-year tradition of ambitious, intelligent storytelling, this film comes at a very special moment.
“The inspired casting of Ian McKellen and Annabel Smith feels like life imitating art in the best possible way. But this film isn’t just about the life of the artist, it also provides an insight into the realities of urban life in Greater Manchester in the 20th century.”
L.S. Lowry: The Unheard Tapes is directed by James Kent, following his recent Emmy win for Lost Boys and Fairies, with executive producer Morgana Pugh, and producer Hannah Mirsky.
Further broadcast details will be announced in due course.
Featured Image – BBC / Wall to Wall Media Ltd / Connor Harris
Georgina Pellant -
18th February 2022 
