The first images of apartments inside Manchester’s iconic Crusader Mill building have been published by developer Capital & Centric.
Renovation work on the Chapeltown Street complex – which was first constructed around 1830 – is nearing completion; receiving months of publicity since being featured on BBC documentary Manctopia.
Crusader Mill has also grabbed headlines for giving locals ‘first dibs‘ on homes – with overseas investors urged to look elsewhere.
The 180-year-old building has now been restored into a block of one and two-bed apartments with exposed brickwork, original cast iron columns and wooden beams, and huge windows.
All residents will enjoy access to Crusader’s green courtyard, with fire pits and barbecues.
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Some of the penthouse apartments are fitted with private roof terraces.
The complex is also dog-friendly – with a 24/7 concierge.
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Tim Heatley, co-founder of Capital & Centric said: “Crusader is packed with history, but that’s meant it’s been challenging. Stuff that we couldn’t have ever foreseen that’s caused us and our buyers some delays. We can’t wait to welcome our residents and really appreciate how they’ve beared with us.
“But ultimately we weren’t going to cut corners. This building is so iconic, with such great features, we have to do it justice. Once part of Manchester’s Cottonopolis, the building gives the loft apartments tons of industrial character that oozes from the exposed bricks, beams and huge windows that soak the apartments in light.
“This was the first project we brought forward in Piccadilly East – it’s our baby! – so it’s awesome to see it nearing completion.”
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Crusader buyer Jo Beswick said: “The design and layout of the apartments are really, really well thought out. The windows flood the room with light, the beams are just gorgeous and the exposed brick gives it character.
“We knew straight away this was the one for us! The whole aspect of it being for residents only is great. We wanted a community and we’re really excited to be here.”
Along with neighbouring community Phoenix, Crusader forms part of the emerging Piccadilly East neighbourhood – recently named by The Times as one of the next greatest places to live.
The first set of Crusader Mill residents are anticipated to move into the building in March.
Visit the Crusader Mill website to find out more or call 0161 222 0204 to arrange a viewing.
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
11th March 2021 
