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Inside the new Pull & Bear as shoppers say new Trafford Centre megastores are ‘literally a maze’

'I feel like I'm in Kim K's wardrobe'

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 7th September 2025

The trio of new fashion arrivals at the Trafford Centre is now complete, with a brand-new supersized Zara, Bershka, and Pull & Bear now open for business.

The huge new-look Pull & Bear promises an ‘interactive and visionary’ shopping experience, with modern concrete interiors and metallic finishes.

It’s a similar minimalist design to the new Zara and Bershka that opened a few weeks ago, and signals a new design movement for parent company Inditex.

Pull & Bear now spans 805.40 square metres, showcasing accessories, footwear, and clothing.

It’s an impressive space, but shoppers have started joking that the new stores are so futuristic and modern, they’re getting a little overwhelmed.

One person wrote: “I went today and had to leave it made me feel ill it was like walking in a maze.”

One shopper said it feels like stepping into ‘Kim K’s wardrobe’ and more than a few people have compared the stores to a ‘space ship’.

A viral video on TikTok showed one girl managing to lose her friend inside the maze-like retail space.

She said: “Forgive me for being dramatic but I lost my mate 10 minutes ago in the new Zara in the Trafford Centre and I genuinely can’t find her.

Pull & Bear Trafford Centre
Pull & Bear Trafford Centre
Pull & Bear Trafford Centre
Pull & Bear Trafford Centre

“Like I’ve just been walking round in circles trying to find an outfit for a party, but I’ve lost her instead, so we’re playing a game of hide and seek in the Trafford Centre. 

“Oh my god I’ve got a spinny head I’m giving myself whiplash.”

Have you been to the new Zara / Berskha / Pull & Bear yet? What do you think?

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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The Manchester public are being invited to consult on ‘landmark’ development plans for Red Bank

Danny Jones Danny Jones Red Bank CGI plans redevelopment

Members of the Greater Manchester public are being invited to take part in the official consultation period ahead of the proposed plans for a big new development in Red Bank.

The central district, located right near Cheetham Hill and now considered a key part of the Northern Gateway regeneration area, is on the verge of a significant transformation in the shape of two huge new ‘landmark’ towers.

Set to clock in at 18 and 43 storeys, respectively, they are just the latest addition to Manchester’s ever-growing skyline.

With more skyscrapers steadily popping up all over the city centre and neighbouring parts of Salford (at an increasingly quick rate, we’d hasten to add), local residents are rightly being encouraged to come and share their thoughts and feedback on the impending project.

new developments manchester city centre red bank
red bank towers mcr
CGIs of the two new towers from near and afar. (Credit: Supplied)

Pencilled in by LWP Redbank Limited, the public consultation is not just specifically related to 50–54 Red Bank, but the surrounding area too.

With two separate planning permission applications submitted to Manchester City Council – one regarding the apartment blocks themselves and another to the ‘public realm’, which includes the immediate vicinity and, most notably, potential “future access to the historic viaduct.”

The headline of the major update to the Red Bank neighbourhood is, of course, the two apartment buildings, which would create a total of 509 new homes and employment opportunities.

Made up of a mix of one, two and three-bedroom flats said to be suitable for both single occupants and families, the developers are also slated to create several shared amenities, landscaped outdoor areas, and sweeping city views.

Equally important is how it will integrate into the existing area at ground level, with new commercial units set to complement the thriving businesses under the recognisable Red Bank arches; more than 2,000 square metres of open space will link the towers to the viaduct.

Sustainability is said to be at the heart of the proposals too, with the scheme expected to be largely car-free, as well as improving travel links to public transport networks, cycle parking, energy-efficient features, “including air source heat pumps and other low-carbon technologies.”

At present, those for the construction argue that limited use is being made of the space.

Locals hoping for a positive dialogue during the consultation period will be pleased to hear that “native planting, trees, and rain gardens will create green and welcoming spaces, with active frontages and open sightlines improving safety and vibrancy” have all been promised.

Issuing a statement on behalf of the project team, a spokesperson said in a recent press release: “Red Bank is fast becoming a creative and vibrant part of Manchester, and our vision is to build on this character to create a distinctive new neighbourhood.

“These proposals bring forward much-needed homes, alongside new public space, and active ground-floor uses that will add to the life of the area. We look forward to hearing what local people think during our consultation, which is being held until Friday, 3 October.”

A consultation drop-in event will take place at GRUB MCR, 50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill (M4 4HF) from 3-7pm on Wednesday, 17 September. Further feedback is also welcome either HERE, over the email at [email protected], or by freephone: 0800 689 1095 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5:30pm).

If all goes ahead as planned, you can expect work to start on this particular part of the ‘Victoria North Masterplan’ early next year, if not even sooner.

New £350m sustainable neighbourhood in Stockport given the green light
More big buildings are going up all across Greater Manchester.

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Featured Images — Press shots (supplied)

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Heartbreaking tributes paid to local couple who died following Lisbon funicular crash

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

The families of a local couple who died in a fatal funicular crash in Lisbon have now paid heartbreaking tributes to them.

The British citizens, who have been named as 44-year-old William Nelson and 36-year-old Kayleigh Smith, lost their lives when a car of the iconic Ascensor da Glória – which was a funicular connecting Bairro Alto and Restauradores Square – derailed and crashed on last week on 3 September, resulting in a devastating 16 deaths and 23 injuries.

According to authorities, the car at the top of the hill was derailed, and sped ‘uncontrollably’ downhill before crashing into a building near the bottom.

An investigation into the incident was subsequently launched by the Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Accidents in Civil Aviation and Rail (GPIAAF) and Carris, which is Lisbon’s public transport operator.

An initial report by the GPIAAF stated that the cable connecting the two cabins of the Glória elevator broke at its attachment point to the top car, resulting in the crash.

It also stated that the brakeman, who was killed in the crash, had tried to apply the emergency brakes but without success.

Paying tribute to Kayleigh, a family friend said: “Kayleigh was loved by family and friends for her wit and humour, her kind and caring nature came to the fore in her work as a funeral operative. She was also a talented theatre director and had just completed a Master’s Degree.

“They both leave family and friends heartbroken.”

Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to a local couple who died following Lisbon funicular crash / Credit: Terry Kearney (via Flickr)

Will’s younger brother added in tribute: “Words cannot begin to describe how our family and friends are feeling right now but here is the best attempt.

“This week, due to a tragic accident in Lisbon, Portugal, we lost Will Nelson, who was not just my big brother but everyone’s. He was always kind, selfless, and protective and the world does not feel right or normal without him.

“He was and has always been my hero, and we will miss you always. Love you, rest in peace, you legend.”

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Their families continue to ask that their privacy be respected during this tragic time.

Featured Image – Cheshire Police

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