News

Marcus Rashford racially abused by teacher after Europa League defeat

The footballer said he received at least '70 racial slurs' just hours after Manchester United lost in the Europa League Final.

The Manc The Manc - 27th May 2021

Marcus Rashford has been targeted with a torrent of racial abuse in the wake of Manchester United’s Europa League final defeat.

The footballer said he’d received dozens of racist messages following United’s game in Poland on Wednesday (May 26) – which the Red Devils lost on penalties to Villarreal.

Posting on Twitter after the match, Rashford revealed there had been “at least 70 racial slurs” sent to his social media accounts.

One of the abusive messages was from a maths teacher.

Rashford posted: “At least 70 racial slurs on my social accounts counted so far. For those working to make me feel any worse than I already do, good luck trying.

He added: “I’m more outraged that one of the abusers that left a mountain of monkey emojis in my DM is a maths teacher with an open profile. He teaches children!! And knows that he can freely racially abuse without consequence…”

The incident is already reigniting conversations about the need for social media to tackle discrimination – with the abuse against Rashford coming just weeks after English football boycotted platforms as a show of solidarity against racism.

Many of Rashford’s 4.4 million followers have since rushed to support the striker – who has been widely hailed as the ultimate role model during the pandemic.

Rashford made headlines off the field in 2020 for forcing the government into two separate U-turns over free school meals, earning himself a direct line to No. 10 in the process.

He also launched a book club (working with football journalist Carl Anka to produce a book titled YOU are a Champion in a bid to ‘inspire children who dream big’) and teamed up with Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge to help families cook healthy meals on a budget.

A documentary on Rashford’s work to ‘feed Britain’s children’ aired on BBC One in December.

Featured image: @MarcusRashford

News

‘Eyesore’ Northern Quarter car park to be redeveloped as ambitious new neighbourhood

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Church Street Car Park

An underused multi-storey car park in the heart of the city centre is set to be sold and redeveloped as an ‘ambitious’ new neighbourhood.

The ‘eyesore’ car park situated in Manchester’s iconic Northern Quarter will be transformed into what Manchester City Council is hoping will become a green and sustainable neighbourhood set to complement the ‘unique and independent’ ethos of the area.  

It comes after developers CBRE were appointed by the Council last year to market the Church Street site for disposal, ahead of seeking formal planning permission.

The new scheme will deliver more than 300 new homes – including 60 affordable homes – alongside new commercial opportunities and high-quality public spaces.  

Church Street Car Park
A before and proposed after of Church Street Car Park / Credit: Manchester City Council

It’s expected that the development will respect the heritage and architecture of the historic city centre neighbourhood and help to enhance the wider area, all while improving a car park site that has long fallen out of favour.

The new neighbourhood will also feature four new public squares and green spaces, along with opportunities for pedestrianising the surrounding streets as part of the public realm.

As mentioned, commercial space is also part of the plans, as the ground floor of the building will offer a mix of smaller, more affordable units to ensure local independent businesses can access the neighbourhood, alongside units for food and beverage outlets.  

Authorities prepare to ‘turn the tide’ on Greater Manchester’s housing crisis

“For too long, the Church Street car park has been an eyesore and a barrier to the ongoing success of the Northern Quarter,” commented Cllr Bev Craig, who is the Leader of Manchester City Council.

“We want to bring forward a world-class development that has the potential to completely transform this part of the neighbourhood, together with the newest city centre public squares and green spaces.”

Read more:

The final legal negotiations will conclude over the summer, and it’s expected that a public consultation will then take place to inform a future planning application. 

Featured Image – Manchester City Council

News

‘Major milestone’ as planning permission secured to transform Oldham town centre

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Oldham town centre regeneration

Planning permission has been granted for six transformational sites in Oldham town centre, with developers calling it a ‘major milestone’.

This approval marks a key step forward in Muse Places and Oldham Council‘s long-term partnership with a shared ambition to deliver a ‘vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable’ town centre that not only reflects Oldham’s heritage but also meets the needs of the people who live there.

Following ‘extensive consultation’ with the local community earlier this year, where hundreds of people took park and shared valuable feedback to help shape the proposals, a total of 1,619 new homes will be delivered as part of the plans, offering a mix of high-quality, energy-efficient apartments designed for families, older people, and young professionals.

The plans also include social and affordable housing provision too in a bid to help more local people find a home that suits their needs and circumstances.

According to the Council and developers, the approved plans will bring underused sites back into ‘productive’ use and support a ‘cleaner, greener’ future for Oldham, opening the door to new opportunities for local businesses and communities alike.

“This decision marks a key milestone in delivering on our promises for Oldham,” commented Cllr Arooj Shah, who is the Leader of Oldham Council.

Planning permission has been secured to transform Oldham town centre / Credit: Muse Places

“Oldham Council and Muse have a shared, ambitious vision to create a quality place that people genuinely want to spend time in.

“I am thrilled that we can continue moving forward with our plans, delivering high-quality homes, including the provision of social and affordable homes to meet local needs. We will also support local businesses and create opportunities for everyone, as part of a clean, green and sustainable future.

“Together, we are creating a place that we can all be proud of.”

Read more:

Site investigation works are now complete at the Civic Centre, and works at Prince’s Gate will begin shortly, followed by the former Magistrates’ Court later this year.

With planning consent secured and preparatory works underway, construction at Prince’s Gate is expected to begin this autumn.

Featured Image – Muse Places

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