One of Manchester’s most iconic entertainment venues has been given the green light for a £22 million investment.
The funds will go towards what is being described as “a transformational refurbishment”.
After having secured the investment, approved as part of the venue’s trajectory towards international recognition as a “pioneering, round-the-clock entertainment destination”, it’s been confirmed that Printworks is set to begin its anticipated refurbishment this month.
On top of that, investors have revealed that a new 20-year commitment has also been finalised to continue the schemes ongoing partnership with Vue – which operates 23 screens at Printworks, including Europe’s second largest IMAX.
The cinema is also set to undergo a multi-million-pound flagship refurbishment alongside the rest of the work to the venue.
These extensive works mark the first major investment since 1999.
Given that the concept of ‘gamification’ is at the forefront of Printworks vision for the refurbishment, the planned works crucially include the installation of a 900m2 digital ceiling – said to be Europe’s largest – which is a “dynamic platform for immersive audio-visual performances”.
Printworks will remain fully open and trading throughout the refurbishment, with the works said to be structured to “ensure minimum disruption”.
A 900m2 digital ceiling will be installed, which is a “dynamic platform for immersive audio-visual performances” / Credit: DTZ Investors
Speaking on the plans for the refurbishment, a spokesperson for DTZ Investors said: “Printworks has shown resilience through the pandemic and refurbishing this iconic venue remains part of our vision.
“The leisure sector continues to transition as people seek the ultimate experience with technology redefining both expectations and possibilities [and] visitors will soon benefit from just that, with a fully immersive and interactive environment on a scale not previously seen in the UK, making it an ideal location for existing and future venues.
“Printworks has an exciting venue-mix from day-time family entertainment to the evening and late-night offer and we are delighted that Vue cinema has recently signed a new 20-year commitment to the scheme.
“This, alongside our extensive refurbishment, point toward Printworks remaining a prime destination leisure venue for years to come.”
Featured Image – DTZ Investors
News
Urgent appeal after woman, 70, dies after being found unconscious with ‘serious injuries’ on a Tameside road
Emily Sergeant
An urgent appeal has been issued after a woman was found unconscious with ‘serious injuries’ on a road on the Tameside / Oldham border.
Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) Serious Collision Investigation Unit is appealing for information after the woman, aged 70, was taken to hospital upon being discovered on Waggon Road in Park Bridge, which is an area on the border of Tameside and Oldham, at around 2:30pm this past Sunday afternoon (10 August).
Police say their investigation is centred on trying to find out how the woman came to be on the road, and ultimately, uncover more about the incident as a whole.
This is why officers are now appealing to the Greater Manchester public.
#APPEAL | Our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is appealing for information after a woman died after being found unconscious on a road on the Oldham/Tameside border yesterday (10/08/25). pic.twitter.com/lzjANgh8Tg
Anyone who saw the incident, or who may have dashcam footage, is urged to call GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741, quoting incident number 1858 of 10/08/25.
You can also call 101, or talk to GMP via the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk.
Any reports or concerns about the incident can also be made anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Google Maps
News
Manchester Youth Zone reopens following impressive £1.6m transformation
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Youth Zone has officially relaunched following a significant £1.6 million investment and months of transformation.
Designed hand-in-hand with the young people of Harpurhey, where the centre – which is proudly a member of the OnSide Youth Zones – is based, the revitalised space represents a bold new chapter for Manchester Youth Zone (MYZ) and the new state-of-the-art facilites offer an exciting range of opportunities and experiences for young people to enjoy.
MYZ is open all year round to provide a ‘safe space’ for young people across North Manchester aged eight to 19, or up to 25 with additional needs.
Football, basketball, podcasting, music, cooking, boxing, dance, and dedicated wellbeing spaces are just some of the activities on offer for young people now that the refurbishment is complete.
The refurbishment is a major milestone for MYZ and its renewed mission to help young people discover their ‘purpose, passion, and pathway’ in life.
Manchester Youth Zone has reopened following an impressive £1.6m transformation / Credit: Supplied
This means that the newly-refurbished centre also offers space and facilities for meaningful support – with one-to-one navigators and youth workers working closely with the children and families to help ‘break down barriers’ and ‘unlock potential’.
MYZ is one of 140 youth centres in England to benefit from a Youth Investment Fund grant, announced by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The Youth Investment Fund was granted to MYZ as part of the Government’s National Youth Guarantee to ‘transform and level up’ opportunities for young people in England.
“We’re delighted to unveil our newly transformed Manchester Youth Zone,” commented Heather Etheridge, who CEO of Manchester Youth Zone.
“It’s a significant milestone for MYZ and we’re extremely proud of the new space and what it has to offer the young people of Harpurhey.
“From its state-of-the-art facilities to dedicated wellbeing spaces we are a shining example of how investment, vision, and youth-led design can create lasting impact, and how truly transformational spaces can change lives.
Emily Sergeant -
15th February 2022 
