Manchester residents are being asked for their views on the ‘future vision’ of Chorlton’s high street as redevelopment plans have now been set out.
With the aim of making sure the neighbourhood stays an “attractive, welcoming, and accessible space” for local people and visitors to enjoy for decades to come, Manchester City Council has now launched a public consultation into the redevelopment of Chorlton’s main high street and immediate surrounding areas.
New artist impression images of the project have also been released.
The draft ‘Public Realm Plan’ is part of a city-wide focus on local district centres to ensure they can “benefit from emerging regeneration opportunities”, according to the Council.
With a number of development opportunities for the Manchester suburb now in the works and set to take shape over the coming years, the Council says this is a “timely opportunity” to put in place a vision for how the high street could look in the future, and open the plans up to the public for their thoughts and feedback.
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The plans look to create a “distinct” district centre, with benefits for the local commercial, retail, and food and drink offering, all a part of them.
The ‘future vision’ for Chorlton’s high street has now been unveiled / Credit: Manchester City Council
Cllr Gavin White, who is the Executive Member for Housing and Development at Manchester City Council, called Chorlton’s high street the “beating heart of the community” as the redevelopment plans went out to public consultation this week.
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He commented: “We have made a clear commitment to focus on our district centres across Manchester and ensure our local high streets are vibrant, attractive, and welcoming spaces for local people and visitors.
“These centres are the beating hearts of our communities, and their strength is in providing a range of vital local services on the doorsteps of our residents. The economic prosperity of these spaces is directly linked to the prosperity of the wider local neighbourhood, and the right investment is crucial to support their continued success.
“Chorlton will welcome a number of key developments in the coming months and years, and this is the community’s opportunity to help guide how their high street and public spaces will look and feel in the years ahead.”
The public consultation on the redevelopment of Chorlton’s high street is now live and will remain open online until 19 March, as well as there being two in-person events on Thursday 7 March from 3-7pm at Chorlton Central Church, and on Sunday 9 March from 1-4pm at Oswald Road Primary School.
Greens hasn’t shared as much detail about its Sale closure.
Simon Rimmer’s Greens restaurant in Sale has announced its immediate closure. Credit: The Manc Group
They wrote: “It is with deep regret that the board of directors and shareholders have decided to close the doors permanently on Greens Sale with immediate effect.
“We’ve done everything possible to make this work, but it is now clear the business is untenable.
“We’d like to thank everyone, team members & guests, who have been on the Greens journey with us.”
It’s another blow to the Manchester’s famous vegan and vegetarian restaurant scene, which has lost the likes of Wholesome Junkies, Vurger Co, and V Rev all shutting down in the last couple of years.
Wholesome Junkies shut down because of ‘skyrocketing costs’, writing at the time of their closure in July: “The figures just don’t add up, it’s no joke and it’s devastating the hospitality industry.”
Northern blocks access to dating apps and websites on-board trains
Emily Sergeant
Access to dating apps and websites is now blocked on-board trains travelling across the north, it has been revealed.
Northern says there’s “good reason” for taking this decision.
This is because the WiFi provided by the train operator on-board its services travelling across the north of England is delivered under the ‘Friendly WiFi’ scheme, which blocks access to certain categories of content – including those associated with dating.
Websites and apps related to video streaming, gambling, alcohol, adult content, pornography, and nudity are also blocked.
Northern has blocked access to dating apps and websites on-board its trains / Credit: Northern
The company says ‘Friendly WiFi’ – which it has been signed up to since 2017 – ensures its on-board internet service meets “minimum filtering standards” given the fact that children could be present around passengers at all times.
The decision to ban dating apps and websites comes after Northern also urged passengers to stop viewing content that’s “not suitable for work” on its trains and stations in Greater Manchester and beyond, and pleaded for them to “wait until you get home” instead.
Content that Northern considers ‘NSFW’ can range from inappropriate jokes and bad language, right through to offensive topics and explicit material.
The train operator has explained the “good reason” for its decision / Credit: Northern
Northern’s Chief Operating Officer, Matt Rice, said access to “safe and reliable” internet is part of passengers’ expectations.
“Whilst some dating websites and users will operate with appropriate levels of self-moderation, some might not and it’s important that content not suitable for everyone to see or hear, particularly children, isn’t viewed on our trains,” Mr Rice explained.
“It’s simply about ensuring that there is sufficient bandwidth for all our customers to use while they’re on the go.
Emily Sergeant -
20th February 2024 
