News
News
Transformational plans set to be approved for ‘major’ new Manchester city centre park
Emily Sergeant
‘Transformational’ plans to regenerate an underused Manchester city centre site are set to be approved next week.
Following ‘overwhelming’ public support for proposals set out in a public consultation earlier this year – where more than 90% of respondents supported the key principles – Manchester City Council says its executive is expected approve an ambitious vision for the Water Street neighbourhood at a meeting next week (Weds 8 July).
The Water Street Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) is set to create a city centre district developed around a new urban park.
The SRF is described as being a ‘high-level blueprint’ for future investment that will guide development through the planning process.
The plans are comprised of a new landscape-led neighbourhood that combines homes – including 20% of them being ‘affordable’ – improved public spaces, enhanced walking and cycling connections, and ‘significant’ new green infrastructure centred around the River Medlock.
Sustainability was highlighted as an area of importance to local residents in the consultation, and to meet these demands, the plans include increased biodiversity, sustainable drainage features, and a largely car-free neighbourhood to support Manchester’s zero-carbon ambitions, as well as the new urban park being at the heart of it all.
The new neighbourhood will also offer plenty of new jobs, skills, and investment opportunities.
“The wider Water Street area has seen major regeneration in recent years with world-class investment at St John’s and Aviva Studios on its doorstep, alongside impressive residential developments,” explained Cllr Gavin White, who is Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and regeneration.
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“This renewed regeneration framework will help guide investment to bring this area up to the same ambitious level with new housing, including affordable housing to create an inclusive new neighbourhood, complemented by a brand-new city centre urban park.”
Featured Image – Manchester City Council (Supplied)
News
Shoppers warned of huge queues as £6.2m P.Louise beauty megastore opens at Trafford Palazzo
Daisy Jackson
The P.Louise City megastore will open its doors in Manchester this weekend, and shoppers are already being warned that it will be BUSY.
The cult beauty brand launches its world-first immersive makeup destination on Sunday 5 July at the Trafford Palazzo.
Founder Paige Williams has set out to create a retail space that mimics the childlike wonder you feel when stepping into a Disney park.
Expect elaborate pink zones like a P.Louise City supermarket, a girly tiled bathroom, a hair salon, a pharmacy, and even a cinema.
Shoppers will be able to visit a petrol station where you can make a beauty driving licence and pose with petrol pumps, a florist where you can design your own scented body mist, and a bank vault with giant golden keys hanging from the ceiling, where top members can unlock exclusive gold Bad Bitch Energy lip kits.
There’s an entire section of the store dedicated to those hit Bad Bitch Energy lip kits, with shelves and shelves of flavours and scents, and the chance to make your own custom lip oil complete with charms.
As you get lost in the huge 19,000 sq ft space, there are cult products to discover in every corner like foaming cleansers, Juicy Drip lip care sets, setting powders and liquid blushes.
The entire P.Louise City shop is decorated with details like flower-filled phone boxes, giant bubbles, heart-shaped traffic lights, mirrored benches, and postboxes, all in dizzying shades of pink and gold.












Going well beyond retail, P.Louise City has bookable VIP party rooms, a cafe serving coffees, ear piercing, and photo opportunities like a skate ramp, as well as a packed programme of events and masterclasses.
Founder Paige said she wanted to create a space so over-the-top, other-worldly and glamorous, it feels like it’s been created by AI.
Signs are now up around the Trafford Centre and Trafford Palazzo ahead of the P.Louise launch predicting large queues, with extra crowd management measures in place.
The first 250 customers through the door who spend £20 or more will receive an exclusive gift box, and queues will open from 6am.
If you’re planning to brave the crowds, you can see all the launch day info you need HERE.
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Featured image: The Manc Group