After what had been described as a “serious water leak” occurring in the early hours of yesterday morning due to a burst water main, Oxford Road – near the University of Manchester and the Manchester Royal Infirmary – is currently closed both directions between Booth Street West and Grafton Street.
United Utilities first confirmed it was investigating a leak on one of the city’s busiest roads at around 5.30am on Wednesday morning, before declaring a “major incident”.
Lloyd Street North was also closed, but has since reopened.
GMP City Centre said in a tweet posted at 5.40am: “Oxford Road is closed in both directions between Booth Street West and Grafton Street outside the University due to a serious water leak, causing major flooding on the road.”
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A second tweet later added: “Lloyd Street North is closed between Denmark Road and Burlington Street due to serious flooding on the road.”
Road Closed – Oxford Road is closed in both directions between Booth Street West and Grafton Street outside the University due to a serious water leak, causing major flooding on the road. Sgt K pic.twitter.com/upZ6yI7tjm
Those travelling into the city centre over the next week are encouraged to stay away from area, and seek alternative routes.
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A series of initial and follow-up statements were also made by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), and the University of Manchester, and Manchester City Council on the incident, as well as Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Stagecoach and First Manchester regarding subsequent diversions, delays, and cancellations of public transport services.
Here’s everything we know so far.
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What is United Utilities saying?
After it some houses and properties in Manchester were left without water, and many with low water pressure as a result of the burst main, a spokesperson for United Utilities said: “Water supplies were fully restored this morning and our engineers are now in the process of excavating the burst water pipe so that we can repair it [and] we will be working through the night and the pipe itself should be fixed later tomorrow.
“We are in discussions with the council highways department about the wider repairs to the road.
“We are planning to work extended hours, seven days a week, to get the damage repaired as quickly as possible so that the road can be reopened. At this stage we believe that could take until the end of next week.
“We are also providing full support to the university so that any flooded buildings can recover as soon as possible.
“We would like to thank everyone for their continued patience and understanding.”
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⚠ You may have noticed that there is poor water pressure, or no water at all in #Manchester 💧 Our team of engineers are on route to repair a leak on Oxford Road ⏰ We'll keep you updated here https://t.co/cBOdOkadp8 Thanks for your patience! pic.twitter.com/eG4tkanUJP
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) took to Twitter yesterday morning to say it is part of a “multi-agency response” to the incident.
“This morning we’re part of a multi-agency response to a large burst water main on Oxford Road, Manchester. There is a lot of localised flooding and damage to the road [and] there will be substantial traffic disruption this morning due to road closures so avoid the area,” the tweet read.
A follow-up tweet later said: “Our resources have now left the scene of the Oxford Road incident where they have been supporting partner agencies and carrying out salvage operations at affected buildings.
“Road closures remain in place.”
This morning we're part of a multi-agency response to a large burst water main on Oxford Road, Manchester. There is a lot of localised flooding and damage to the road. There will be substantial traffic disruption this morning due to road closures so avoid the area. https://t.co/nUknSrAOt0
— Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) September 22, 2021
What is Manchester City Council saying?
A spokesperson for Manchester City Council said: “This incident was incredibly disruptive and we appreciate the patience shown by the public today as it was brought under control.
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“United Utilities have indicated that the water main will be repaired by Thursday morning. After this is complete the council will be able to fully assess the extent of the damage caused to the road surface and the ground below it and organise repairs.
“A definitive repair timescale will be set out soon once this has taken place.
“Until then, diversions are in place for traffic to avoid further disruption and a single footpath has been reopened for the public.”
What is the University of Manchester saying?
The University of Manchester took to Twitter with an initial acknowledgement of the incident shortly after it occurred yesterday morning, urging people to “avoid the area”.
Although it is not known how much damage has been caused, GMFRS later said a number of the university’s buildings were flooded and several remained behind a police cordon on Wednesday evening.
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Much of the area is also covered in mud and silt from where the flood water has drained away.
UofM said a clean-up operation is “well underway”, but that most of the buildings that were closed, including the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons, the John Owens Building for swipe card access only, the Students’ Union and Academy, Stephen Joseph Studio, Mansfield Cooper Building and Whitworth Hall.
The Samuel Alexander Building will be closed until at least Friday.
In an update sent to students yesterday, UofM said: “Our thanks to you for your patience and to those of you who have shared these updates with your friends and colleagues.
“We are grateful to the emergency services and United Utilities engineers who have been working incredibly hard alongside our professional services, cleaning and security staff, and student ambassadors.”
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A further update from UofM is expected this afternoon.
UPDATE: Following this morning’s flooding incident on Oxford Road we are pleased to report that the flow of water has been stopped and a clean-up operation is now well underway.
The Oxford Road diversion is Moss Lane East, Lloyd Street North, Higher Cambridge Street, Booth Street West and vice versa.
The Dover Street diversion is; Upper Brook Street, Anson Road, Dickenson Road, Wilmslow Road, Moss Lane East, Lloyd Street North, Higher Cambridge Street, and Booth Street West.
Information on affected bus services can be found on the TfGM website.
Featured Image – Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS)
News
Plans for a new cultural hub in Wythenshawe have been green-lit
Danny Jones
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
Featured Images — CGIs via Manchester City Council
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Medlock Canteen confirms gutting closure after just 18 months
Danny Jones
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.
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.”
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.