News

Latest updates after body of missing Keano Byrne found at Greater Manchester beauty spot

His body was found in Reddish Vale on Good Friday.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 12th April 2023

A murder investigation is ongoing this week after the body of missing 26-year-old Keano Byrne was found in Reddish Vale country park over the Easter weekend.

Keano, from Gorton, had been reported missing on Monday 27 March, last seen leaving Northumberland Road in Brinnington and walking towards Reddish Vale with another man.

Tragically, police search teams discovered a body in the water at the Stockport beauty spot on Friday 7 April.

Greater Manchester Police have now confirmed that the body has been formally identified as Keano Byrne. Following a post-mortem examination, the cause of his death is inconclusive.

Two men aged 26 and 30 arrested on suspicion of murder have been released on bail pending further investigation. GMP say that no further action will be taken in respect of the 26-year-old, who has been eliminated from enquiries.

ADVERTISEMENT

Detective Chief Inspector Liz Hopkinson, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “We are continuing to appeal to the public for information that may help with our enquiries in order to understand fully what has happened to Keano leading up to, during and after his sad disappearance.

“Clearly this is still an upsetting time for Keano’s family and we are determined to find out what has happened to give Keano’s loved ones the answers they deserve.

ADVERTISEMENT

“We are asking for anyone who was in the Reddish Vale area in the early hours of Sunday 26 March between 3:30am and 6:30am, or who may have seen Keano after the time he went missing, to please contact police.

“No matter how small the information may seem to you, whether it’s a verbal account or any dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage, it may help us piece together a timeline of events as we are confident the answers remain out there in the community.

“This can be done by sharing information and details to GMP’s Major Incident Team on 0161 856 6377, or using our LiveChat service on gmp.police.uk quoting log number 762 of 27/03/2023. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Read more

Featured image: GMP

News

Plans for a new cultural hub in Wythenshawe have been green-lit

Danny Jones Danny Jones plans for new cultural hub in wythenshawe town centre approved

Proposals for a new cultural hub in Wythenshawe have officially been approved, with the overall regeneration plans valued somewhere in the region of £500 million.

The Greater Manchester town has long been accused of being neglected by local authorities and investors, but now natives and those living in and around the area are being asked to consult on what has the potential to be a huge transformation.

Wythenshawe town centre could look almost unrecognisable should everything go according to plan, not to mention inject a much-needed boost to the arts and creative industries in the area.

Put simply, this could be huge for a place long overlooked and deserving of some TLC.

wythenshawe culture hub
Credit: Manchester City Council

The simply titled ‘Culture Hub’ will aim to create a new community outlet and environment for everyone to enjoy, allowing them access to professional facilities and support, as well as further tap into that vital grassroots culture and creativity.

Discussions surrounding the project actually date back to 2022, when the idea was first pitched to Manchester City Council as part of a wider bid for a slice of Britain’s Levelling Up Fund.

While the UK government has a total of £4.8bn set aside for infrastructure and regional disparity works that fall under the initiative, the Culture Hub was set to cost £20m back then, though Wythenshawe is looking for an estimated half a billion to upgrade their town centre.

As per an official press release, the hub is set to sit within Civic – Wythy’s much-loved shopping complex – and will include space for food and drink on the ground floor, as well as a mix of artist studio spaces and flexible areas for workshops, exhibitions, classes or local events on the first floor.

The Council itself is set to contribute a further £11.9m, as they hope to back future plans for a bustling new food hall spilling out onto an updated public square, with new workspaces for independent start-ups and growing Manc businesses.

wythenshawe town centre redevelopment
Credit: MCC

Meanwhile, a new 200-seater performance space will be created on the second floor, “providing a backdrop for a diverse range of performances, whether it’s dance or drama, music or modern art, there’ll be something for everyone.”

As touched upon, a larger public square will also be included, with improved outdoor areas, new paving and, crucially, more trees, plants and green spaces to make the town centre a much more natural, vibrant and welcoming space.

Private construction company Muse was appointed as the development partner for the new cultural hub and further Wythenshawe town centre regeneration initiative back in August 2024; as a local firm, they have a heavily vested interest in the 30,000 sq ft site and the surrounding area.

Work on the Culture Hub is due to commence this autumn, with the opening scheduled for some time in early 2027 – touch wood.

wythenshawe town regeneration
Credit: Manchester City Council (MCC)

Councillor Gavin White, who serves as an executive member on Manchester City Council’s executive housing and development team, said: “The Culture Hub planning approval is a really exciting milestone in the long-term regeneration of Civic.

“This is a statement of intent of how serious we are about investing in Wythenshawe’s town centre – and this is an early sign of what is to come. We want to build on the destination potential of Civic, create opportunities for local people and visitors to spend time in the area, and widen the offer for our residents to enjoy and participate in the arts right on their doorstep.  

“High streets are the soul of our communities and we are investing heavily in our town centres across the city, including Gorton and Moston, to celebrate how they bring people together, support businesses and help grow local economies.

“This is just the start for Wythenshawe, and the conversation we are having with local people is ongoing to make sure we can be guided by the very people who live and work in this community. I’d urge as many people as possible to tell us what they think about the future of their area.” 

Read more:

Joe Stockton, senior development manager at Muse, added: “Getting the green light for the new Culture Hub is a major milestone in our once-in-a-generation plans to work with local people to transform Wythenshawe town centre.

“The feedback that we’ve received so far for the hub has been really positive with many seeing it as a creative space where people and groups of all ages can spend time, learn new skills and explore culture in a positive way.”

“We look forward to getting started on construction later this year, which we hope the people of Wythenshawe will see as a significant sign of our intent to drive this project forward with their ongoing support.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Exciting times ahead.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — CGIs via Manchester City Council

News

Medlock Canteen confirms gutting closure after just 18 months

Danny Jones Danny Jones Medlock Canteen Manchester closed

Relative Manchester newcomer and city centre gem, Medlock Canteen, has announced that the business has now closed, sharing a lengthy statement on their social media.

The Deansgate Square favourite, which looked tipped to be one of the founding members of the emerging New Jackson foodie district, has sadly confirmed its immediate closure, with all existing bookings being unfortunately cancelled.

Boasting brilliant breakfasts, big portions, the accessibility of an all-day American-style diner as well as the charm of a classic French bistro when service rolled into the evenings – just to mention a few of many highlights – we were among their many firm fans since day one.

Medlock only opened back in March of 2024 and left a big impression on its many diners during that time, but sadly, the ever-present pressures of the hospitality industry don’t discriminate.

Writing on Instagram, the restaurant said: “With heavy hearts, we’re announcing the closure of Medlock Canteen. When we opened our doors 18 months ago, our dream was simple: to build a neighbourhood spot where everyone felt welcome, serving proper good food you know, love and can’t wait to eat.

“But the current climate has made that dream a tough one to sustain. Rising costs, increased taxes, and tighter spending have created challenges we’ve fought hard to overcome but, sadly, they’re ones we just can’t compete with.

“We’re proud to say our amazing team has been looked after, with payroll up to date and everyone offered roles elsewhere in our family of venues. If you’ve got opportunities going, drop us a message – we’d love to pass them on to anyone ready for their next chapter.”

Owned by the same group behind Belzan in Liverpool and Manchester’s Madre over in Kampus, the team led by co-owner Owain Williams has offered replacement reservations at their other venues by way of an apology to their loyal customers.

It was only back in April last year that renowned food writer Jay Rayner described it as “special” and dubbed the admittedly swankly skyscraper location a “welcome haven for all.”

Medlock Canteen receives rave Guardian review from Jay Rayner just one month after opening
Couldn’t agree more. Few could’ve seen Medlock Canteen closing barely a year on from such a glowing write-up.

They signed off by adding: “To everyone who dined, left us a rave review, shared a laugh, or came back for seconds: thank you.

“You made this little place feel truly special. And yes, we promise, one day, somehow, we’ll get that rhubarb pie back to you!”

We’ve lost another impressive little spot far too soon, but we’ll always have the unbelievable scran, and it goes without saying that while Medlock Canteen may have closed, there’ll still be plenty of continued support for the likes of Madre and its sibling down the Mersey.

Fingers crossed we get a comeback one day, but until then, let’s just stop and appreciate how stunning their food truly was.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Manc Eats

More News

News

Reality TV personality Kim Woodburn has died at the age of 83

Sunbathing in the park

News

Met Office says UK heatwave is ‘likely’ this week with highs of 30°C expected

LGBTQ+ housing scheme

City Centre

Work finally begins on site of UK’s first majority LGBTQ+ housing scheme in Manchester

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches