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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

News

Family pays tribute to ‘much-loved son’ who died after Wigan bus crash

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Family pays tribute to 'much-loved son' who died after Wigan bus crash

The family of a man who died in a tragic bus crash in Wigan have paid a moving tribute to him.

Luke Hill, 28, was involved in a collision between a bus and a motorbike earlier this month, and sadly passed away in hospital the following morning.

The incident occurred on the Wigan Road junction of Alexandra Road, at around 11.54pm on Thursday 6 August – and GMP are still appealing for members of the public to come forward with CCTV, dashcam, or information.

The driver of the bus remained at the scene following the crash, and continues to support police with their investigation.

Paying tribute to Luke, his family described him as a ‘rock and much-loved part of the family’.

His mother said that living without him feels like a ‘terrible nightmare’.

Paying tribute, Luke’s mum, Sharon, has said: “Luke was my son, my rock, and a much-loved part of our family. There are simply no words to describe the pain of losing a son, especially in such a tragic way.

“It still doesn’t feel real. I keep expecting this terrible nightmare to end and for you to be here with us again.

“Luke was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew and grandson. He meant so much to so many people, and he will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.

“We miss you more than words could ever say. The pain of losing you is something we will carry with us forever, but so will the love and memories you gave us.

“The whole family is deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss. We kindly ask that everyone respects our privacy and allows us the time and space we need to grieve.

“You will never be forgotten, Luke.

“We love you and miss you so much.”

Officers are continuing to appeal for any witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to this incident, or anyone who has mobile phone or dash cam footage, to come forward and assist the investigation.

Anyone with information can contact police via 0161 856 4741 or our Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting the log number 4225 of 06/08/2026.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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Featured image: GMP

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Government issues UK-wide temporary ban on sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

A temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been issued nationwide.

Following the UK’s fourth heatwave of the summer, and as many regions declare drought conditions, the Government has made the decision to issue a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk.

According to new guidance published online this afternoon, disposable barbecues pose a ‘significant risk to the public’ due to the current heatwave conditions.

A disposable barbecue is defined as a fuel tray or grill grid that includes charcoal fuel ‘sufficient to provide cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking episode’.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the UK as a ‘tinderbox’ and urged ‘all retailers big and small’ to withdraw the sale of disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires, but following the shocking scenes in Stourbridge which raged overnight, it appears this has been escalated to a formal temporary ban.

The ban applies to all producers and distributors of the product – including retailers that make disposable barbecues available on the British market – and includes online sales too.

A Government statement reads: “During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the Government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.

“They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.

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“These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks.”

Featured Image – Dom (via Unsplash)

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