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Strangeways regeneration plans finalised with thousands of new homes and ‘major’ 60-hectare urban park

A new era is on the horizon.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 10th November 2025

Plans to regenerate the Strangeways area of Manchester and Salford are set to be formally approved this week.

Following the success of Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) Operation Vulcan enforcement programme, you may remember that a consultation was launched earlier this year to gather feedback on the draft framework showcasing the ‘vision’ for the 130-hectare city centre fringe area as a way of helping to guide future development.

Consultation feedback ‘strongly supported’ the regeneration of the area and the vision to create safe, vibrant, and sustainable communities.

Respondents stressed the need for ‘genuinely affordable’ homes, and urged that heritage buildings be preserved and celebrated as best as possible, while many wished to see the existing cultural venues in the area retained.  

The framework was described as being a ‘pioneering collaboration’ between both Manchester City Council and Salford City Council.

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Strangeways regeneration plans have been finalised / Credit: Manchester City Council

Councils hoped to ‘harness the potential’ of this cross-boundary regeneration opportunity – with the goal of supporting businesses in the area, attracting new enterprises, and developing significant new housing and commercial space.

It’s estimated that 7,000 new homes across seven neighbourhoods are to be built, alongside the creation of around 1.75m sqft of commercial space to potentially provide 4,500 new jobs.  

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The first developments within the Strangeways area are already underway, including the Brewery Gardens project by Clarion on Trinity Way, providing 505 new homes – 132 of which will be for social rent and 171 for shared ownership. 

On top of this, the Strangeways Regeneration Framework also crucially includes the introduction of a major new 60-hectare urban park.  

Another crucial part of the framework sees Manchester City Council restate the case to the Government for the relocation of HMP Manchester, noting the regeneration opportunity presented by the site and the barrier to development that the prison currently presents. 

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“The formal adoption of this framework is a milestone that we will remember for Strangeways as we move from vision to delivery and the beginning of a long-term regeneration programme for this part of our city,” commented Cllr Bev Craig, who is the Leader of Manchester City Council.

Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, added: “With strong community roots and a rich cultural heritage, this area is brimming with potential and together we can deliver transformational change creating new homes, jobs, and green spaces that reflect the aspirations of our residents.

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“The development of the framework marks a significant step forward in our shared journey to transform the area into thriving, connected neighbourhoods.”

Featured Image – Manchester City Council

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Global governing body officially recognises Super League Basketball in positive push for the British game

Danny Jones Danny Jones British Super League Basketball officially recognised back FIBA governing body

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the global governing body for professional basketball, has officially recognised the UK’s Super League Basketball competition.

Formerly known as the British Basketball League, our domestic division has been through quite a turbulent time over the past couple of years, with teams disbanding, rebranding, and the organisation being completely overhauled from the ground up.

One of those in question was our very own local team, now known simply as Manchester Basketball, along with several other teams changing names, badges and more in line with the ‘new dawn’ for pro ball in our country.

Despite the second season of SLB being well underway, this latest chapter has still had a fair amount of teething problems and significant obstacles, with FIBA having previously suspended the British Basketball Federation’s (BBF) from licensing domestic men’s club competitions earlier this year.

Announcing the key bit of backing and forward step in terms of validation, Super League Basketball confirmed that FIBA have “officially recognised SLB” in a lengthy statement.

It continues: “This landmark decision marks a significant breakthrough for the sport across the UK and allows SLB and its member clubs to accelerate ambitious plans to nurture talent, enhance venues, and expand the top-tier league’s reach both domestically and internationally.

“Crucially, FIBA’s recognition also lifts the ban on Great Britain’s men’s national team competing on the international stage.”

As a result, they go on to explain that the league will now play “a pivotal role in the staging of Great Britain’s FIBA World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers fixture on 27 November” – which also serves as a huge plus for elite national programmes, both male and female.

Sanjay Bhandari MBE, who is currently serving as the Interim Independent Chair of Super League Basketball, commented: “We have been working quietly and diligently to secure a sustainable and positive pathway for top-flight basketball in the UK.

“We extend our thanks to the leaders of FIBA’s Task Force for their cooperation and continued support throughout this process. Together, we have reached a solution that gives our clubs the confidence they deserve and provides our fans with peace of mind after a challenging period for the sport…

“FIBA’s recognition is transformative and means that our plans to drive SLB forward as an ambitious, high-growth sports organisation can progress at pace. We look ahead with excitement as we work closely with FIBA, UK Sport and government to ensure the sport achieves the success it deserves across all areas.” With the latest campaign having tipped off in September, they’ve stood tall and steadfast.

The decision comes after a task force with dispatched by FIBA to consult with relevant SLB stakeholders and sporting authorities, which the result being an outcome that benefited both parties: i.e. the body recognising that they represent the best course for “safeguarding the stability and integrity of the sport.”

Sharing their own comment on the watershed breakthrough, FIBA added: “To ensure the stability and continuity of top-tier men’s basketball in Great Britain during this period of suspension, FIBA has entered into a direct recognition agreement with Super League Basketball.

“This agreement provides a framework for the organisation and governance of domestic competitions while preserving regulatory integrity.”

“FIBA, through its Task Force, will continue to work closely with BBF and all relevant stakeholders, including UK Sport and the UK Government, to support BBF in becoming a self-sustaining organisation and to secure the long-term stability and growth of men’s basketball in Great Britain.”

We’re glad this long, drawn-out period of uncertainty has wrapped up in plenty of good time for the competition to now focus on the fast-approaching finals early next year. It’s also a nice bonus that they’re happening right here in Greater Manchester.

The Super League Basketball cup finals are coming to Manchester

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Featured Images — Publicity picture

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Manchester security guard jailed for raping woman who asked him for help

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Shazad Mughal

A local security guard has been jailed after raping and sexuality assaulting a woman who asked for his help.

Shazad Mughal, from the Crumpsall area of Manchester, has been jailed after Greater Manchester Police (GMP) received a 999 call from the victim at 12:45am on Wednesday 10 August 2022, who said she had been sexually assaulted.

The victim had asked Mughal, who was working as a security guard, for directions to Manchester city centre after their tram had terminated earlier than expected.

The 48-year-old Mughal allowed the victim to use the toilet and then proceeded to sexually assault her in his security booth, before the victim managed to flee the scene and call the police, remaining hidden until an officer could locate them.

Mughal was sentenced last Friday (7 November 2025) to seven-and-a-half years in prison after being found guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration.

Detective Constable Luke Miller, of GMP’s Serious Crime Division, said Mughal ‘abused his position of authority’.

“Mughal claimed that the victim was advancing onto them whilst in the security booth and that he did not want to have any sexual activity with the victim, which was completely untrue,” DC Miller explained in a statement following the sentencing.

“I commend the victim in this case for supporting our investigation, which has resulted in today’s sentence and sees justice served against Mughal, who will now spend a significant amount of time behind bars.

“Our officers will provide support, conduct thorough investigations, and take firm action against offenders.

“Your allegations will be taken seriously, and you will be treated with dignity and respect.”

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Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via 101, or through the Live Chat function on their website – gmp.police.uk. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

Featured Image – GMP

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