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Consultation begins for plans to regenerate Strangeways neighbourhood and beyond

Local opinions matter.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 26th March 2025

The consultation for the potential plans to regenerate districts around Greater Manchester’s Strangeways prison has officially begun.

Known these days as simply HMP Manchester, the areas surrounding what was once known as ‘the UK’s most dangerous prison’ are the latest to have been eyed up for some serious TLC, with both Manchester and Salford City Council currently working on the “ambitious proposals”.

It is said that the collaborative project, which spans a total of seven different neighbourhoods across the two cities, could see as many as 7,000 new homes built and the creation of approximately 4,500 jobs.

Artistic impressions of what the redeveloped region could look like have already been released, but now both members of the public, local businesses and stakeholders are being invited to share their feedback.

Focusing on the ‘fringe’ communities of Strangeaways and Cambridge, the councils’ joint consultation process is underway and is set to last eight weeks

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While Manc, Salfordians and more can share their thoughts online, a number of in-person discussions will be taking place between two venues – one in Salford and another in Cheetham Hill.

The first of these meetings is being hosted at the Broughton Community Centre this Saturday, 29 March from 10am to 3pm, with the second scheduled for the following Tuesday (1 April).

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Aanother series of assemblies will begin at The Yard on Monday, 7 April from 3-7pm. You can find the other dates below:

  • Thursday 24 April, 3-7pm – Salford
  • Tuesday 29 April, 3-7pm – Salford
  •  Thursday 1 May, 3-7pm – The Yard
  • Tuesday 6 May, 3-7pm – The Yard

Manchester City Council Leader, Bev Craig, said of the plans’ progress thus far: “This framework is our shared long-term vision, alongside our colleagues in Salford, to deliver a transformation in the Strangeways and Cambridge communities.

“We have an opportunity to create a platform for development and investment, enabled by the successful work carried out by the ‘Operation Vulcan‘ partnership, to support businesses to grow and prosper in these neighbourhoods – creating thousands of new jobs and support the ongoing growth of our city – alongside a major new public park and new homes, including Council, social and genuinely affordable housing.  

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“We know this area has challenges, including the prison that presents a key barrier to the regeneration of the area, but we also know that there is energy and a community brimming with potential.   

“We will deliver huge change in Strangeways in the coming years, working alongside the people who live and work there, and as we move to consultation in the coming weeks, we want to speak to local people and businesses about how we can make this part of the city thrive.”

strangeways cambridge redevelopment plans
where in manchester is strangeways?
What the area could look like compared to its current appearance. (Credit: Manchester City Council/David Long via Geograph)

The consultation process will end officially close on Monday, 26 May and the results will then be reported back to the both councils’ relative cabinet committees, as The Draft Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) has already been reviewed by both.

Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, went on to add: “We’ve been on a journey of growth and regeneration in recent years, and our work has changed the landscape in different parts of Salford for the benefit of our residents…

“This framework proposes options for the Salford part of the SRF, taking into account the requirements of residents and local businesses, and the need for quality housing in the area. The key will be to balance these needs with what the long-term flood data is telling us and how we future-proof the area against climate change. 

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“The proposals in the framework seek to identify the best possible options for this area. These include the exciting opportunity to create a new city park for all, with an option for appropriate levels of mixed-use development, to continue to drive sustainable growth.”

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It goes without saying that the presence of HMP MCR, a.k.a. ‘Strangeways Prison’, still presents a major image problem, especially given both historic and even more recent headlines.

However, with so many historic areas of central Manchester and beyond having been transformed over the past decade, who knows what the next 10 years will hold for this particular area?

Once again, you can offer your feedback on the Strangeways and Cambridge regeneration plans HERE.

Strangeways declared ‘threat to national security’ following drone deliveries of drugs, weapons and more

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Supplied via Manchester and Salford City Councils/David Long (via Geograph)

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Band on the Wall buys adjoining The Rose and Monkey pub

Danny Jones Danny Jones Band on the Wall has bought The Rose and Monkey pub Manchester

Beloved Manchester music venue Band on the Wall has announced that they have bought the equally popular Rose and Monkey pub and hotel next door.

The two Great Ancoats St favourites on the edge of the district and the Northern Quarter have both served as reliable, entertaining gig spaces for years now, not to mention a great spot for a drink, and their business models have always aligned so perfectly, with visitors heading from one into the other for years.

With that in mind, and in a concerted effort to support the local music and hospitality industry, Band on the Wall have decided to turn that long-standing relationship into an even closer collaboration.

Confirming the acquisition of The Rose and Monkey earlier this week, Band on the Wall and its next-door neighbour are now official partners.

Speaking in an official statement on their website, the latter wrote: “This exciting development marks another step in Band on the Wall’s mission to support grassroots music and enhance its role within Manchester’s vibrant cultural scene.

“The Rose & Monkey (formerly The Burton Arms) has a long and chequered history dating back to 1783, but in recent years has been transformed into a beloved destination for music lovers and locals alike.

“Known as one of the city’s oldest public houses, originally built as part of the original Smithfield Markets and over the road from what was the ‘New Cross’ area of the city, the venue boasts an intimate atmosphere and commitment to live music.

“The pub is now a vital part of the Northern Quarter’s creative fabric with unique features, including a beer garden, small music stage, and even Airbnb accommodation upstairs; the venue perfectly complements Band on the Wall’s (BOTW) ethos of fostering community through music.”

As it turns out, the deal to take over The Rose and Monkey was actually agreed upon a while ago and fully finalised last 2024.

With backing from Figurative – a not-for-profit organisation that specialises in ‘impact investment’ throughout the cultural and creative sector – this most recent development follows the £3.5 million refurbishment of BOTW, which was finally completed back in March 2022.

Audio North was still ‘The Manc Audio’ back then, but Band on the Wall was busy being reborn first.

Gavin Sharp, CEO of Band on the Wall, said: “We are delighted to welcome The Rose & Monkey into the Band on the Wall family. This acquisition allows us to expand our footprint while preserving one of Manchester’s most cherished independent venues.

“Together, we aim to create even more opportunities for emerging artists and provide unforgettable experiences for music fans.”

As for the pub and lodging house itself, The Rose and Monkey Hotel, to use its full name, will still remain its own bar and live music entity but will now work closely with Band on the Wall to achieve better and more diverse programming.

In addition to a place to stay on the first floor, the pub now features a newly installed ‘Wurlitzer Jukebox’, too, which has been curated by none other than American alternative rock band Pixies, BBC 6 Music DJ Chris Hawkins and the in-house team.

Very cool.

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Finally, Band on the Wall went on to add: “The Rose & Monkey is ideally positioned to become an even greater hub for Manchester’s thriving music scene.

“Visitors can look forward to an enhanced calendar of events as well as continued dedication to inclusivity and creativity, and a jukebox specially curated by several high-profile friends and supporters of the venue.”

We’ll cheers to that.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Manc Group

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The free stuff your mum can get in Manchester for Mother’s Day

Danny Jones Danny Jones

If there’s one thing we know for sure it’s that none of us would be lucky enough to be on this planet were it not for our mums, and we think the least they deserve is for things to be made easy, comfortable and, ideally, free wherever possible when it comes to Mother’s Day here in Manchester.

Now, we don’t live in a perfect so unfortunately not everyone Manc mum is going to be able swan into their favourite place and expect a complimentary this and a gratis that.

However, there are guite a few places in Manchester city centre doing the right things and giving away some free stuff for Mother’s Day 2025, so we thought we’d round them up for you and, more importantly, the person who helped bring you into the world.

Let’s get into, shall we?

Six freebies mums can score in Manchester this Mother’s Day

Albert’s Schloss – Deansgate

What better to begin than with a top-notch breakfast spot? Albert’s Schloss on Peter St is not only one of the best places to start or end a day out but they also do brilliant early morning offerings. Plus, this Mother’s Day, you can wash down your Bavarian brekkie with a free spritz, because why the hell not?

You can book online now.

The Trading Route – St John’s

And since you’ve started as you mean to go on, we’d say the only thing better than an early drink (and a free one at that) is a second one, so it’s a good job one of the newest additions to Manchester, The Trading Route, is offering a free cocktail to mums this Mother’s Day.

Best of all, the new S. John’s beer and food hall is located just down the road from the main Deansgate strip and is just next to Spinningfields, so it’s a short walk from Schloss. You can book HERE.

Credit: The Manc Eats

Habbibi – Spinningfields

Speaking of which, if your and/or your mum resisted the urge to grab another bite at Trading Route (we wouldn’t blame them if they did), you could then head from St. John’s to Spinningfields and grab some a sophisticated bit of brunch as you grab your next freebie.

Habibi on Hardman Boulevard is giving away a complimentary luxury gift from home, body and beauty brand, Rituals, to those who book ahead. Consider that killing two gift-shaped birds with one stone.

Nell’s – Kampus/Northern Quarter/Chorlton

Now, we’re not necessarily expecting you stop at every single place on this list – unless your feeling extravagant or your mum really is that mega that she deserves all of this and more – but you’d be a fool not to grab yourself a margarita on the house from any Nell’s location.

Besides, it wouldn’t be the worst thing to grab a slice to further line your stomach.

Platzki – Deansgate

However, if mum hasn’t had a nibble in a hot minute then why not take her back in the direction you came from to beloved Polish restaurant, Platzki, who as well as serving an incredible main menu are also offering a free cheesecake or apple pie to all maternal diners this Mother’s Day.

Open for walk-ins as always, of course, but you can reserve your table HERE.

Credit: The Manc Group

House of Fu – Central

And last but not least, what harm would another free marg do? That’s what on the cards over at House of Fu, which just so happens to be up there with some the best ramen in Manchester if there’s still any room in that well-treated tummy.

Located on Portland Street, it’s also not too far from Picadilly, the bus station or St Peter’s Square tram stop when you and your mum are ready to call a day on this freebie parade… Or, you could always tie off the night with some karaoke downstairs. Now that’s how you put an end to a party.

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We’d like to think that half a dozen options should just about do you and your mums in central Manchester, though we’re sure there’s plenty more free things to snap up this Mother’s Day.

The cynics might want you to believe that this date is just another annual observance created, or at least perpetuated by companies to sell cards, flowers, chocolate and son, but the truth is a special day that deserves to be celebrated properly.

In fact, the truth is that Mothering Sunday started nearly 120 years ago over in Philadelphia, when a woman named Anna Jarvis wanted to honour her mother who spent her life gathering groups to promote female friendship and health during a memorial service at her late mother’s church.

We think that’s wonderful and whatever your relationship with the mother figure in your life, we reckon it’s a sentiment and motivation worth sustaining much more than just once a year.

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Much love to all our mums from The Manc, and sorry if we were ever a pain – hopefully a few drinks makes up for it.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Manc Group/Rituals

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