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.
We have opened a consultation this week about the ambitious plans for Strangeways and Cambridge where we want to support existing businesses to thrive, create new jobs and build thousands of new homes – including lots of affordable housing.
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) March 26, 2025
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.
“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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Council announces return of FREE firework displays in Manchester parks
Emily Sergeant
The skies over Manchester will light up once again, as free firework displays are set to return to several of the city’s parks.
You may remember that major fireworks events throughout the city had been paused following the COVID-19 pandemic, due to funding challenges, with Manchester City Council choosing to invest in a range of other community-focused events across throughout the autumn season instead, rather than one-off firework celebrations.
But now, once this November rolls around, all of that is set to change.
That’s because, on Saturday 7 November, free fireworks events will return to Heaton Park, Wythenshawe Park, and Platt Fields Park.
First up, there will be a reduced-noise, low-impact display at 5pm for families and SEND audiences, and a main fireworks display then to follow a little later at 8pm.
The Council has announced the return of free firework displays in Manchester parks / Credit: Unsplash
Each of the three parks will host lantern making workshops in the weeks leading up to the events too, with family-friendly lantern parades taking place ahead of the 8pm firework shows.
The Council says that the return of the free fireworks events reflects residents’ recent feedback about what they want to see in their community and how they want funding to be distributed.
“It’s a chance, at the start of the shorter days and beginning of the dark winter months, to come together and resume a much-loved annual tradition as well as enjoying an evening of safe entertainment and spectacular fireworks displays,” Manchester City Council said in a statement.
Councillor Basat Sheikh, who is the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, added: “We are delighted to announce and welcome the return of our much-loved fireworks celebrations.
It’s the first time they’ve returned since the COVID-19 pandemic / Credit: Elisha Terada (via Unsplash)
“Our parks should be shared spaces that create opportunities for Manchester people to gather, which is why bringing back the fireworks displays was top of our agenda. And we also recognise the importance of community which is why we will also continue to invest in a wide range of activities in our parks throughout the year.
“The return of these events is a wonderful opportunity for families and communities to create lasting memories and enjoy the long-standing tradition of fireworks in our parks in a safe way.”
Additional entertainment will be announced for each park in the coming weeks too, so keep your eyes peeled for more.
Featured Image – Alex Jones (via Unsplash)
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Stockport man admits to drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge for more than 20 years
Emily Sergeant
A man in his 60s from Stockport has admitted drugging and raping his wife in a ‘horrific’ 20-year campaign of abuse.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the man – who cannot be identified in order to protect the life-long anonymity of the victim – previously admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sharing intimate photos or film.
And now, during an appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (14 September), he pleaded guilty to a further 45 charges.
This makes it 60 charges in total the man has now pleaded guilty to.
Some of the charges he pleaded guilty to yesterday include a further 16 counts of rape, nine counts of assault by penetration, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of attempted rape, amongst several others.
Speaking following the court appearance yesterday, GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.
“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.
“If you are concerned you or someone you know may be affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse, please know that you do not need proof, certainty, or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
“You are not expected to understand exactly what has happened or who was involved in order to be taken seriously. If you feel that something has happened, then please report it or ask for help.”
GMP reiterates that anyone who does choose to report sexual abuse does not need a full account or clear memory, can share as much or as little as they feel able, and will be supported by trained officers, as their ‘immediate’ safety and wellbeing will be the ‘priority’.
They may also speak to a support organisation first and decide later whether to involve police.
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Services are available on a 24-hour basis, and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
Emily Sergeant -
10th November 2025 
