The leaders of Greater Manchester’s 10 local authorities have each signed a “trailblazing” devolution deal aimed at helping to level up the region once and for all.
Coming together to mark the historic day yesterday, Mayor Andy Burnham, was joined by Levelling Up minister, Dehanna Davison, to watch the Council leaders of all 10 Greater Manchester boroughs add their signatures to the deal that’s said to represent “the biggest step yet in the region’s devolution journey” so far.
Leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig, was seen signing the text of the deal alongside her fellow local Council leaders at The Manchester College yesterday.
According to Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), the new devolution deal is all about “further embedding the role of local decision-making” – which is to be done through additional powers and responsibilities being granted to local authorities.
The new deal will be focusing on a number of key areas for the region – including post-16 technical education, transport, housing, and regeneration, as well as new financial freedoms and new accountability arrangements.
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Big day for Greater Manchester.
We have signed a new devolution deal with the UK Government – and the most significant yet.
By putting place before party, we’re making politics work better for people.👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/r4c2BpcSs8
GMCA says the deal is “a vote of confidence in devolution” and in Greater Manchester‘s ability to deliver it for the future.
Even though this is the seventh devolution deal for Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham says that it is “by some way the deepest”, and will take devolution in the region “further and faster than ever before” to give local Councils even more ability to “improve the lives of people who live and work here”.
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He continued: “I have always been a passionate believer in the power of devolution, and I’ve been in the privileged position of being able to exercise those powers and make a positive difference to people’s lives.
“We’ve worked hard to secure this deal and have achieved a significant breakthrough by gaining greater control.”
Greater Manchester’s 10 Council leaders have signed a ‘trailblazing’ devolution deal / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Mr Burnham did, however, admit after the deal was signed by all 10 local authority leaders yesterday though that after “with more power, comes the need for great accountability” – but insists that he welcomes the “strengthened arrangements” announced in the deal.
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“We will continue to engage with government moving forward on other areas we’d like to see more local control over in the future which will help us to continue to improve life for people in Greater Manchester and those visiting,” he added.
“For now, our focus will be on getting ready to take on the new powers and be held to account on the decisions we will be making on behalf of the people of Greater Manchester.
“The signing of this deal marks a new era for English devolution.”
Featured Image – GMCA
Boroughs
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 12 – 18 June 2023
Emily Sergeant
It looks like we’re set for another week filled with summer fun in Greater Manchester.
Not only has the sun been shining bright in the region over the last few weeks, signalling that summer is well and truly here, but we’ve also got an events calendar thats jam-packed full of festivals, family-friendly activities, foodie feasts, immersive experiences, and so much more to get stuck into.
Once again, we’ve cherry-picked a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide this week.
Here’s our top picks.
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La Clique
Depot Mayfield
Monday 12 June – Saturday 29 July
La Clique / Credit: Leslie Martin | Craig Sugden
A huge circus tent has been installed onto the roof of Depot Mayfield in Manchester, as the world-leading cabaret La Clique is in town.
The trailblazing show – which has had its stay in the city extended right through to 29 July – features the best circus and cabaret acts in the world.
Presented by live entertainment company Underbelly, La Clique is wowing audiences with its genre-defining cabaret show, and for its Manchester stint, performers will include tension strap artist LJ Marles, singer Chastity Belt, aerial contortion artist Miranda Menzies, comedy and stunt performer Sam Goodburn, and more.
Stephen Hawking at Work / Credit: Science Museum Group
Mancs now now get up close to rare personal items of Stephen Hawking’s in a new exhibition that’s now opened down at the Science and Industry Museum.
Stephen Hawking at Work explores the remarkable life of a world-renowned scientist, who passed away in 2018 – with significant objects from his office giving an insight into his life as a scientist, science communicator, and as a person who lived with motor neurone disease.
Highlights include a rare copy of his PhD thesis, and a wager he made with his peers about whether things that fall into a black hole are lost forever, while there’s also a ‘time traveller’ party invitation that he sent to his peers after the party had taken place, to prove that time travel to the past is impossible.
Chester Zoo is bringing its ‘after hours’ events back this summer after they proved so popular last year.
Giving visitors the chance to explore the UK’s biggest charity zoo “like never before”, the Into The Night series was launched to massive success in 2022, and offered unlimited access to animal habitats, indoor areas, and restaurants after hours for the first time ever.
And this summer, it’s back for animal lovers who missed out.
With tickets now on sale from as little as £10, Chester Zoo is inviting people to discover the zoo as the sun goes down with thrilling live entertainment, special guest appearances, and delicious food and drink.
A brand-new Coronation Street Experience has opened, and it’s giving fans access to areas they previously haven’t been able to before.
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The Coronation Street Tour is known for giving people the chance to discover the hidden world that lies behind the camera at the external sets at MediaCityUK in Salford, and now, the already award-winning experience has got even better as the new exhibition extends the current 90-minute tour and makes it even more “immersive” for fans.
You’ll get the opportunity to see Dierdre’s famous glasses up close, take a seat in Roy’s Rolls, or even stand behind the bar at The Rovers.
Fancy trying out some new bars, and restaurants that have opened in Greater Manchester this month?
Summer is here, al fresco dining is on the cards, and it seems like the suburbs are having a moment again, as Urmston has not one but two exciting new openings to shout about, and Withington has just welcomed Almost Famous into its neighbourhood, as Manchester’s original dirty burger bar takes over the short-lived Libertine site.
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Elsewhere, Gordon Ramsay moves into town with his Lucky Cat restaurant moving into the former Jamie’s Italian site at the top of King Street.
We think you’ll agree there’s a lot to look forward to now that June’s here, so if you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite this week, we’ve rounded up some of the best new openings to try.
Great Big Green Week: Take A Detour with a Tree Tour
Castlefield Viaduct
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Thursday 15 & Saturday 17 June
Great Big Green Week: Take A Detour with a Tree Tour / Credit: National Trust
City of Trees is inviting Mancs to make the most of the long summer days by going on an hour-long stroll around the city this Thursday and Saturday.
Starting with a visit to see the magnificent garden of trees planted high in the sky on Castlefield Viaduct, guides will then take you down into the Roman gardens in Castlefield and beyond, teach you how to identify trees, and throw in some fun facts about the different species and their ability to adapt and survive the challenges of the former industrial city.
Tipsy Tapas is one of Manchester’s newest bottomless brunches.
If you love Middle Eastern-inspired small plates, and a good Saturday afternoon out on the town, then you absolutely need to add this one to your list.
Hosted at former Michelin-recommended King Street restaurant Habas, for £38 per person diners can enjoy a ‘tipsy tapas’ with 90 minutes of non-stop cocktails, wine, beer, and a mouthwatering selection of punchy small plates.
Drink choices include the likes of fruit punch, Aperol and apricot spritzes, prosecco and bellinis, plus glasses of house lager and red, white and rose wine.
A massive festival especially for dogs and their owners is back at Tatton Park this weekend.
Described as being the “ultimate dog’s day out” and created by dog-lovers, for dog-lovers, DogFest returns to Cheshire by popular demand for another thrilling two-day event, so you and your pup can “try your paw” at a whole host of activities.
Dog diving, agility courses, the ever-popular hay bale race, or entering the Fun Dog Show for your chance to win ‘Best in Show’, are just some of the things four-legged friends can get involved with.
Father’s Day Screenings / Credit: King Street Townhouse
King Street Townhouse, is celebrating dads, grandads, and as-good-as-dads with a selection of themed Father’s Day film screenings at its very-own exclusive underground cinema this weekend.
With something for everyone to enjoy on the lineup, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating worlds of aliens, superheroes, boxing legends, interstellar adventures, and high-octane aerial combat, as six smash-hit films will be screened over three days.
Optional additions to enhance the Father’s Day celebration include whiskey cocktails, lager, pic ‘n’ mix, and mouth-watering burgers, all served to your seat for the ultimate indulgence.
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Find out more and grab tickets to each film screening here.
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Madre
KAMPUS
Saturday 17 June
Madre at KAMPUS / Credit: Madre
Liverpool’s beloved taco joint Madre is bringing the spirit of Mexico City to Manchester when it opens at KAMPUS this Saturday.
With a menu made up of mouth-watering tacos, wood-grilled seafood and steaks, plus fresh oysters and ceviche straight from a huge ice counter, and a drinks list celebrating agave, this is a new opening you don’t want to miss.
Evolving from a lunch spot to a buzzing bar with Mexican party vibes as the sun goes down, expect a destination that celebrates Mexico City’s cuisine, culture and personality in equal measure.
GASP! Horror Festival is Manchester’s only horror film festival dedicated to minority filmmakers.
Taking over Manchester’s home of cult cinema, video games, and “cool nerdy events”, Cultplex – which is tucked away within the award-winning venue GRUB in Cheetham Hill – this weekend, there’s truly something for everyone within on the packed festival lineup that features the best new horror films by some of the most exciting filmmakers working today.
Six feature-length films and two short film showcases by female filmmakers, foreign language filmmakers, people with disabilities, people of colour, and the LGBTQ+ community make up the lineup.
10 hot properties for sale in Greater Manchester | June 2023
Emily Sergeant
Every month, we show you some of the hottest properties currently on the market in Greater Manchester.
It’s safe to say that Mancunians love a good nosey around other peoples’ houses, and after all, Greater Manchester is a brilliant place to live.
When it comes to property types in the region too, you really couldn’t get more diverse, as the traditional terraced streets make up the fabric of many inner city and borough town areas, while the wide range of leafy suburbs is where you’ll find some of the more sought-after and pricier family homes.
But what can your money currently get you in the area?
In our monthly Hot Property series, we scour the internet to find 10 more of the most diverse, jaw-dropping, accessible, and beautifully-presented homes currently on the market in Greater Manchester for you to take a look at.
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Lancaster Road
Salford, Greater Manchester, M6
Bridgfords
Lancaster Road / Credit: Bridgfords
Semi-Detached | x3 Bedrooms | x1 Bathroom
Looking for a family home set within a highly-desirable location with a wide range of amenities, fantastic good local schools, and convenient transport links to Manchester city centre? This stunning three-bedroom semi in Salford may be just what you’re looking for.
Being offered to the market in an immaculate condition, with the current owners having undertaken recent renovations, extensions, and refurbishments throughout, the property boats lots of spacious and flexible living spaces – including an open-plan modern fitted kitchen and dining area, three well-proportioned bedrooms and a family bathroom.
Externally, the property has a driveway with ample off-road parking, a back garden with a raised decking area, and under-house storage accessed from the rear of the property.
Lancaster Road / Credit: Bridgfords
The property is currently on the market with the Swinton branch of estate agency chain Bridgfords for £280,000 (Offers in Excess of).
Located on the second floor of a modern residential building in the heart of one of Manchester’s most popular and sought-after suburbs is this two-bedroom apartment that’s presented to a high standard, and is enviably close to all the amenities, schooling options, and transport links that Didsbury is so known and loved for.
The bright and airy living room is one of the stand-out features of this flat, as it boasts four surrounding windows that flood the room with natural light, while offering ample space for living and dining room furniture and beautiful views over looking the garden.
Externally, the development is surrounded by well-kept communal shared gardens, and the property comes with an allocated parking place.
Palatine Road / Credit: Philip James Kennedy
The property is currently on the market with the Didsbury-based independent estate agents Philip James Kennedy for £240,000.
Cheviots Road / Credit: The Property Selling Company
Semi-Detached Bungalow| x3 Bedrooms | x1 Bathroom
This immaculate three-bedroom semi-detached bungalow is situated in the heart of the sought-after Oldham neighbourhood of Shaw, and boasts a wide range amenities, cafes, restaurants, and bars right on the doorstep, as well as being close to good local school options, and convenient transport links across Greater Manchester.
Being offered to the market in an enviable condition by typical bungalow standards, the property boats flexible open-plan living spaces, and three good-sized bedrooms.
Externally, the property benefits from driveway parking, and gardens to the front and rear.
Cheviots Road / Credit: The Property Selling Company
The property is currently on the market with national online estate agents The Property Selling Company for £239,999 (Offers Over).
This immaculately-presented three-bedroom stone cottage is not only ideally-located in the sought-after Ramsbottom village of Edenfield, close to a wide range of amenities, good local schools, and convenient transport links across Greater Manchester and beyond, but it also boats a wealth of original features right through, despite undergoing modernisations.
With tasteful, muted colour schemes being utilised to give a light and airy feel, the beautiful property has surprisingly-spacious and flexible living accommodations throughout, with fixtures and fittings of the highest standard, and must be viewed to be fully appreciated.
Externally, the property is flagged to the front and has a decent-sized patio area with far-spanning views to the rear.
Bury Road / Credit: Ryder & Dutton
The property is currently on the market with the Rawtenstall branch of local estate agency chain Ryder & Dutton for £289,950.
Brimming with kerb appeal, and occupying a coveted corner plot on the highly-sought-after Chorley Road in the popular Wigan area of Standish, is this individually-built, three-bedroom detached family home that has been constructed by the current owners to a very high-standard throughout, and boats a flexible open plan design that’s ideal for all modern buyers.
With spacious accommodations set across two floors, just some of the home’s stand-out features include a wonderful L-shaped open plan kitchen/diner, a smart orangery extension with feature glass lantern, and three double bedrooms – with the master bedroom benefitting from an en-suite.
Externally, the home is set well back from the road behind a pretty garden and sizeable driveway that provides ample off-road parking for multiple vehicles.
Chorley Road / Credit: Regan & Hallworth
The property is currently on the market with the Wigan branch of local estate agency brand Regan & Hallworth for £299,950 (Offers in Excess of).
St Margarets Road, Bowdon, Trafford, Greater Manchester, WA14
Carter Grove Estate Agents
Limehurst / Credit: Carter Grove Estate Agents
Apartment | x3 Bedrooms | x2 Bathrooms
Situated in enduringly-coveted Bowden neighbourhood, enjoying a semi-rural setting yet with the wide range of amenities, schooling options, and convenient transport links on offer in Altrincham only a stone’s throw away, this stylish three-bedroom duplex apartment occupies one of the best positions within this beautiful converted mansion house.
The property benefits from living spaces that are both spacious and incredibly versatile – with the open plan living/dining area that’s flooded with natural light being one of the stand-out features.
Externally, the property boasts its own private roof terrace, with spiral staircase leading to panoramic views over the surrounding area and towards Manchester city centre.
Limehurst / Credit: Carter Grove Estate Agents
The property is currently on the market with the Hale-based independent estate agents Carter Grove for £395,000.
Built in the 19th century, set within 0.4 acres of extensive landscaped gardens, and occupying a prominent position on one of Stalybridge’s most sought-after roads, this four-bedroom detached family home is exceptionally-presented throughout, and is filled with an abundance of charm and character that really does not come onto the market very often.
As well as spacious living accommodations set over four floors – including a basement with a spa suite, wine cellar, and workshops – there are beautiful ornate ceilings, covings and ceiling roses, and fireplaces throughout the property, that estate agents have called a fitting “nod to a bygone era”.
Externally, the property benefits from secure electric gates to the front, a substantial driveway, and large lawned gardens with an impressive water feature, a summer house, a detached gymnasium with resistance pool and shower room, and a stunning chapel built with locally-reclaimed materials.
The Nook / Credit: A Wilson Estates
The property is currently on the market with the Stalybridge-based independent estate agents A Wilson Estates for £875,000.
This stunning three-bedroom semi-detached family home occupies a truly-enviable plot on Stockport’s sought-after Didsbury Road, and is ideally-positioned just a short walk from Mersey Vale Nature Park and within easy reach of many local amenities, as well as being within the catchment area of several good local schools.
When it comes to living spaces, the property is immaculately-presented throughout and is a credit to the current owners, thanks to its excellent mixing of character with modernity, and for boasting all the charm of a period home – with high ceilings, stunning feature fireplaces, and tall bay windows.
Externally, the property has a large driveway providing off-road parking to the front, and an expanse of well-manicured gardens with several outbuildings to the rear.
Theres’s also the opportunity for extension into the property’s large loft and basement areas.
The property is currently on the market with the Heaton Moor branch of independent estate agents Philip James Kennedy for a guide price of £650,000.
Nestled within a small hamlet of five architecturally-unique homes in the highly-sought-after Bolton neighbourhood of Bromley Cross, Oakwood House is a stunning six-bedroom detached family home that was lovingly-designed and carefully constructed to the current owner’s specifications just over 17 years ago.
Just some of the property’s stand-out features include large reception rooms with a open fireplaces, a large breakfast kitchen, six spacious bedrooms – with two boasting ensuites – a summer house, and a large double garage which is kitted-out with office space above.
The property also boasts a large driveway providing off-road parking for multiple vehicles to the front, and well-maintained gardens to the rear.
Viewing is highly-recommended to properly appreciate all this stunning home has to offer.
Oakwood House / Credit: Newton & Co
The property is currently on the market with Bolton-based independent estate agents Newton & Co for £899,995.
Set within the exclusive gated Ryefields development in the sought-after Rochdale neighbourhood of Bamford, with a wide range of amenities, schooling options, transport links, and access to countryside right on the doorstep, is this immaculately-presented seven-bedroom detached family home that’s described by estate agents as being “simply stunning” and “truly exceptional”.
The property offers spacious and well-laid-out living accommodations presented to the highest of standards throughout, and boasts high specification fixtures and finishes that reflect the care and attention of the current owners.
Externally, the property benefits from a double garage, ample driveway parking, and excellent gardens both to the front and rear.
The Burford / Credit: Fine & Country
The property is currently on the market with the Rossendale branch of estate agency label Fine & Country for £1.25 million (Offers Over).
Emily Sergeant -
22nd March 2023 
