Manchester City Council says it’s “on track” to installing almost 10,000 new solar panels across the city by the end of 2023.
It may sound ambitious, but Manchester is well on its way to becoming home to a whopping 9,859 new solar panels in total before the year is out, which will ultimately help the city along its way to reaching the all-important target of becoming zero-carbon by 2038.
The installation of the new solar panels is said to be “a key part” of the Council’s five-year ‘Climate Change Action Plan’.
Continuing on with the mission to reduce carbon emissions from local buildings by using renewable energy and energy efficiency measures – which the Council pledged £6 million towards back in June of last year – a total of 6,897 solar panels have been installed at Council-run sites since 2022, and an additional 2,962 have been commissioned / or are in the pipeline to be delivered, before the end of this year.
Hough End Leisure Centre, the Wythenshawe Forum, and Moss Side Leisure Centre are some of the locations where new solar panels have already been installed, while Didsbury Library, and the Manchester Aquatic Centre, are expected to have see them soon.
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Almost 10,000 new solar panels to be installed across Manchester by end of 2023 / Credit: Gustavo Fring (via Pexels)
“This work shows that tangible progress is being made as the Council works to become a zero-carbon organisation,” Councillor Tracey Rawlins, who is the Executive Member for Environment and Transport, at Manchester City Council, said of the new solar panels target.
“Renewables such as solar power, even in rainy Manchester, provide a viable and unlimited source of energy for buildings across the city.”
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One of the major renewable energy projects that has already been carried out as part of the zero-carbon mission is in a bid to, what the Council has described as, “turn pedal power into solar power” down at the Nation Cycling Centre – where solar car ports that provide shelter for vehicles, all while still generating power from solar panels installed on top, have been installed.
As a Council we are working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and rely more on renewable energy sources.
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) July 26, 2023
The recently-completed £2.9m project at what is “one of the most energy-dependent buildings within the Council’s estate” has been delivered the Council in partnership with Energy Systems Catapult and the European Regional Development Fund, and is said to be “an important pillar” of the Council’s overall carbon reduction plan.
In the eight weeks since the solar panels at the Velodrome went live, they have generated more than 47MWh of electricity, according to the Council, which is saving an estimated nine tonnes of carbon.
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Roughly around 172MWh of electricity is estimated to be generated annually.
“Looking at the National Cycling Centre, we have shown that we are able to seamlessly incorporate the use of renewable energy into the existing infrastructure,” Cllr Tracey Rawlins added.
“This sets a clear example of how this approach can be replicated across the city.”
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
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No trams to run on major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend
Emily Sergeant
Travel disruption is expected across the next couple of weeks as ‘essential engineering’ work begins on a major Metrolink line.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed that a reduced service will run on the Bury line this weekend, as work to replace ‘defective’ beams supporting the roof at Whitefield Tunnel means that no trams will run between Crumpsall and Bury on Saturday (10 May), or between Whitefield and Bury on Sunday (11 May).
Some weekend and overnight working is said to be ‘necessary’ to secure and protect the overhead line equipment, so that the beam replacement work can be completed as ‘safely and quickly as possible’, according to TfGM.
A crane is planned to be in use for the beam replacement work at times.
Closures on the line from this weekend come after the successful completion of preparatory work at the site, following the discovery of a defective beam.
No trams will run on a major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend / Credit: TfGM
As well as the suspension on services this weekend, as mentioned above, several other chances throughout this month and into the next on the Bury line are also to be expected.
No tram services will operate between Crumpsall and Bury on Sunday 25 May, and no again from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June, while no trams will run between Whitefield and Bury from Monday 26 to Thursday 29 May.
For the duration of all closures, replacement bus services will run between the affected stops on all the above dates.
Any so-called ‘noisier’ work is set to take place during daytime and evening working hours where possible, and several noise reduction measures – such as acoustic blankets and enclosures – also to be put in place during this.
Essential upgrade work to protect the historic Whitefield Tunnel means no trams will run between Crumpsall–Bury (Sat 10 May) and Whitefield–Bury (Sun 11 May).
We're replacing a defective beam to keep the line safe and reliable.
As always, the Greater Manchester public is being advised to ‘plan ahead’ if they are travelling.
“Whitefield Tunnel dates back to the 19th century,” explained Ian Davies, who is TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, “and this essential work will ensure tram services can continue to safely pass through it for decades to come.
“This is a complex job, but we will do everything we can to minimise disruption to passengers, residents and businesses.”
He added: “I would encourage people who use the Bury line to plan ahead and check the Bee Network website, app, and social media channels for the most up-to-date travel information.”
AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory (7-1 on aggregate) over Athletic Club.
The Red Devils will be heading to that same team’s home stadium of San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
If you think that name rings a bell, you’re right: they’re the same folks behind the regular events held over at Victoria Warehouse for any big United games, and 21 May will be no different – other than being arguably their biggest date ever.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch Ruben Amorim’s side potentially take home their first piece of silverware since his arrival.
If you saw the scenes at Road to Victory in the AO during Euro 2024, you’ll know how unbelievable a venue this is to watch the footy.
As the promoters have billed it: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa League Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the UEL final on Wednesday, 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May.
Emily Sergeant -
27th July 2023 
