More than 100 green spaces across Greater Manchester have had new life breathed into them thanks to dedicated funding.
Thanks to community-led projects funded by Mayor Andy Burnham‘s Greater Manchester Green Spaces Fund, a total of 103 spaces throughout the region have now been transformed since 2022, and the latest round of the fund this year saw 17 successful projects awarded a share of more than £370,000, empowering community groups to make Greater Manchester greener.
Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) says these projects bring communities together, and also encourage local residents to get involved in nature recovery.
Residents have been able to get involved with everything from volunteering opportunities and building green skills, to learning how to grow their own food, maintain gardens and green spaces, and so much more.
OVER 100 PROJECTS FUNDED! 🥳 We are thrilled to announce that Round 5 of the Mayor of GM's #GreenSpacesFund resulted in 17 winners, bringing the total number of projects and groups funded across Greater Manchester to 103.
— Greater Manchester Environment Fund (@gmenvfund) October 4, 2024
A ‘Secret Garden’ next to a primary school in Bolton, and a COVID memorial garden in Stockport are just two of the successful projects to have benefited from funding in this latest allocation.
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Impressively, 22,015 trees and plants have also been introduced to the area since the Fund was started up in 2022, and more 100,000 Greater Manchester people have engaged with completed Green Spaces Fund projects after their transformations.
“It has become increasingly apparent over recent years that green spaces where nature can flourish are vital, not just for our local wildlife but our residents’ physical and mental health,” explained Mayor Andy Burnham.
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‘New life’ has been breathed into more than 100 community green spaces across Greater Manchester / Credit: Greta Hoffman (via Pexels)
“With more than a hundred projects, the Green Spaces Fund is making a huge difference to people’s lives and I’d like to thank each and every one of the brilliant community group members, volunteers, and local businesses that have got behind it and brought it to life.
“It’s a remarkable movement, helping make Greater Manchester a greener, fairer place to live for all.”
The Green Spaces Fund is managed by the Greater Manchester Environment Fund (GMEF) – which is said to be a ‘pioneering body’ created in partnership with The Wildlife Trust for Manchester, Lancashire, and North Merseyside, and GMCA.
— Barefoot Spooky Bartender 👣💀🍹 (@barefoottiki) October 10, 2024
“Be assured there won’t be 14408mph winds, hurricane force winds or overnight temperatures of 404°C.
“It is being looked at and hopefully sorted asap.”
BBC Weather shared: “You may have noticed some data issues on our app and website. We are working hard to fix it quickly. Sorry – please bear with us.
“In the meantime here are Thursday’s weather headlines: -Colder, clearer air moving in -Rain and drizzle in south -Blustery showers near east coast”
And national treasure Carol Kirkwood said live on air: “We are having a technical glitch at the moment. It’s showing wind speeds far too fast, in fact, hurricane strength and that is not the case at all.
“Please don’t be alarmed. We are aware of it and on it.”
At the time of writing, the BBC Weather forecast service is still predicting hurricane force winds for the UK. Eek.
BBC issues statement after UK forecast shows ‘hurricane force winds’ up to 14,000mph
New 44-storey skyscraper proposed that could change one of Manchester’s most famous views
Emily Sergeant
Plans for a massive new 44-storey residential skyscraper in the heart of the city centre have been revealed.
But does this mean it could change one Manchester‘s most famous views?
Located on what has been referred to as a “prominent site” adjacent to Deansgate train station and Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop at Whitworth Street West, these dramatic proposals would see the development of 364 apartments set over 44 storeys – with more 7,750 sq ft of active space on the ground, first, and second floor levels.
Developers Glenbrook say the building has been designed to “respond to the city’s heritage”, most-notably through its three-storey arched terracotta colonnade at street level.
Well-lit new green spaces, the enhancing of existing pedestrian routes, and seamless integration with the surrounding communities, all form part of the landscaping proposals for the bold new project.
“As a Manchester-based developer, we are excited about the prospect of embarking on a landmark development in the heart of our city, admitted Daniel Roberts, who is the Development Director at Glenbrook, as the proposals were unveiled this week.
“Whitworth Street West is undergoing a period of revitalisation, and Glenbrook are incredibly proud to be playing such an integral part in its future.”
A CGI of a proposed skyscraper on Whitworth Street West in Manchester / Credit: Glenbrook
A public consultation on the plans has now been launched, and will be live up until 28 October, as well as a dedicated in-person event, where representatives from Glenbrook and the design team will be on hand to answer questions and gather feedback, scheduled to take place at HOME MCR on First Street from 3:30-7:30pm on 15 October.
Residents, businesses, and interested stakeholders will have the opportunity to view the plans in detail, and provide their thoughts on the proposals.
The view of what Whitworth Street West currently looks like in October 2024 / Credit: The Manc Group
According to developers, the feedback gathered during the consultation will play a key role in shaping the final planning application – which will be submitted to the Manchester City Council in the coming months, and ultimately ensure the development meets the needs of the community.
Emily Sergeant -
10th October 2024 
