A planning application for the memorial to those who lost their lives in the 22 May 2017 Manchester terror attack has been submitted today.
A public consultation on plans for the regeneration of Manchester’s Medieval Quarter, the wider area which the memorial sits within, was held in May and June this year and found there was significant public support for the project.
Glade of Light is designed to be a tranquil garden space, with a planting scheme planned to ensure year-round colour and reflect the changing seasons – a living memorial entirely using plants which grow naturally in the UK countryside. Tree locations have been calculated to maximise light and ensure the garden gets as much sunlight as possible.
Manchester City Council
At the heart of the memorial is a white stone ring ‘halo’ which will bear the names of the 22 who lost their lives set in bronze, with personalised memory capsules – containing memories and mementos to be provided by their loved ones- held within the stone.
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Plans have also taken into account positive suggestions from a number of consultees. This has resulted in the addition of a new outer circle path around the memorial and more seating. These changes are designed to improve inclusivity and accessibility, and enable people to linger longer in the garden while preserving the memorial’s intimacy.
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester will never forget those who lost their lives on 22 May 2017 and everyone so deeply affected by the terrible events that night.
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Today we have submitted a planning application for the memorial to the 22 people killed in the terror attack on 22 May 2017.
The Glade of Light will be a living memorial, a tranquil and colourful garden space for remembrance and reflection.https://t.co/dCgKJ4hB7b
“This memorial promises to be a beautiful tribute to them, a place for remembrance and reflection and a lasting part of the fabric of our city.”
Joanne Roney OBE, chief executive of Manchester City Council, said: “The council made a solemn commitment that Manchester will never forget and to ensure a special and fitting memorial to those who lost their lives on 22 May 2017. We believe the proposals in this planning application, which have been painstakingly developed, honour that promise.”
Designers BCA Landscape and Smiling Wolf were appointed last year, in consultation with the families of those killed.
It is intended that construction work on the memorial will begin in early 2021 with completion due in autumn 2021.
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Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Greater Manchester’s homicide rates have now dropped to a ‘historic’ low
Emily Sergeant
Homicide rates in Greater Manchester are now at the lowest they’ve been for 25 years, according to new figures.
Thanks to a major programme introduced by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to prevent violent crime and keep communities safe, known as the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), it has been revealed that the region’s homicide rate has fallen by 32% in 2025 to what is its lowest level on record since 1990.
If you’re unfamiliar with what the VRU is, it brings together GMP, Greater Manchester Probation Service, health and education professionals, youth justice, local authorities, and the voluntary, community and faith sector to address the underlying causes of violent crime.
It’s this multi-agency approach that’s said to be delivering ‘tangible results’ and driving a reduction in violent crime in Greater Manchester.
As well as homicide rates, the VRU’s partnership work with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is also said to be having ‘major impact’ across the region on issues like knife crime.
Thanks to operational activity helping to disrupt serious violence and remove more weapons from the region’s streets, the police have also recorded that knife crime in Greater Manchester has fallen by 15% in the last year too.
Following a steady decline since 2021, rates of personal robbery have fallen by 17% in the last year in Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester’s homicide rates have now dropped to a ‘historic’ low / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Additionally, A&E attendances due to assault decreased by 3% in the same time period, with a 9% reduction among young people aged 10–24, and ambulance callouts for assault also fell by 9% in relation to this.
GMCA says that the reductions in demand for emergency services, as revealed in the latest figures, prove just how much the VRU’s combined prevention and enforcement approach is working.
“These latest figures show the real progress being made in tackling violent crime and making our streets safer,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham.
“Reductions in knife crime and homicides don’t happen by chance – they come from early intervention, our strong partnership with the police and our work with communities to tackle the root causes of violence.”
The Manc -
28th September 2020 
