Greater Manchester has been praised after a recent study found the region’s street homelessness figures have reduced by over 50%.
After Greater Manchester set what was deemed to be “the most ambitious target” out of the 13 initial ‘Vanguard Cities’ that committed to tackling street homelessness by December 2020, new research from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh found that there was an “impressive” 52% reduction against baseline figures across the region.
The region overall had the largest reduction in absolute numbers on the streets, from 241 in November 2018, to 115 that month in 2020, according to the research.
However, it did not meet its overall target of completely ending all rough sleeping.
The report by Heriot-Watt University comes after the Institute of Global Homelessness’ (IGH) A Place to Call Home initiative launched in 2017 as the first concerted effort to support cities around the world to eradicate street homelessness and rough sleeping, ITV Granada reports.
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Among the initial 13 ‘Vanguard Cities’ committed to tackling the issue by December 2020 as well as Greater Manchester included Glasgow, Brussels, Chicago, and Adelaide.
Rijeka, Little Rock, Edmonton, Montevideo, Santiago, Tshwane, and Bengaluru were the others.
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There was an “impressive” 52% reduction against baseline street homelessness figures across Greater Manchester / Credit: Gary Knight (via Wikimedia Commons)
Researchers into the initiative since its inception found that one of the reasons for Greater Manchester’s reduction in figures can be put down to dedicated initiatives brought in because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which were said to have helped to accelerate success and “demonstrate what can be achieved with sufficient political will”.
A lead co-ordinating agency, and co-ordinated entry to services, as well as investment in “specialised and evidence-based interventions” were among the keys to progress in tackling homelessness, the report found.
On the flip side, the report found that reliance on “undignified and sometimes unsafe communal shelters” were barriers, and more “structural and system change” was needed to progress.
Speaking on the findings of the recent research, Professor Suzanne Fitzpatrick – director of the Institute for Social Policy, Housing, Equalities Research (I-Sphere) at Heriot-Watt University – said: “While there are clear country-specific challenges that need to be overcome, this first global initiative on tackling street homelessness has highlighted the need to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach, towards more specialised interventions that target specific subgroups.”
She highlighted appropriate services for women, children, older people, and other vulnerable groups as being “essential”.
Featured Image – Flickr
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Manchester City releases CGIs and important details of new ‘immersive’ museum
Emily Sergeant
Manchester City has revealed key information about its new museum experience designed to immerse visitors in the history and culture of the club.
Set to open later this year in the heart of the £300m Medlock Square entertainment district at Manchester’s Etihad Campus, the Manchester City Museum Experience will be spread across 10 distinctive spaces and visitors will be able to take a trip down memory lane with nostalgic environments from throughout the club’s history.
Fans can also take part in interactive media experiences, like posing with all 48 major trophies won by the club’s first teams or trying their hand at football punditry.
The experience will combine the latest immersive technology with physical memorabilia drawn from across the club’s history to do this.
Hidden details and surprising ‘did you know’ facts are set to be embedded across the experience, so that even the most devoted Man City fans will have the chance to discover something new about the club they love.
CGIs of what the new museum experience will look like when it opens have been released.
By combining interactive environments, technology, and authentic artefacts, the experience is aiming to appeal to a wide audience – from lifelong Manchester City supporters, to families and those with a broader interest in football, culture, and the city of Manchester.
“Building a completely new museum has allowed us to create an immersive experience that celebrates the people and moments which have shaped Manchester City,” commented Danny Wilson, Managing Director at Manchester City Operations.
“But our story isn’t traditional and straightforward, so why should our museum experience be? We want something different. Something immersive which will resonate with our fans, as well as excite the wider city.
Manchester City releases CGIs and important details of its new ‘immersive’ museum / Credit: Manchester City / Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA)
“In doing so, we have developed something that appeals to fans, complements the Etihad Campus and provides a year round attraction for the city.”
When it opens, the Manchester City Museum Experience is set to complement the club’s existing Stadium Tour – which is currently ranked among the top five visitor attractions in the UK, according to TripAdvisor reviews.
Further information about the museum experience – including booking details – will be shared ahead of its opening later in 2026 during the phased completion of Medlock Square.
Featured Image – Manchester City / Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA)
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The BRIT Awards to return to Manchester in 2027 with ceremony date confirmed
Emily Sergeant
It’s official – the BRIT Awards are returning to Manchester in 2027, and the ceremony date has now been confirmed.
Well, technically we already knew they would be, as it was announced last year that for the first time in its illustrious 48-year history, British music’s most prestigious awards show would be leaving London and heading up to the capital of the North, as ITV confirmed the BRITs would be staged in Manchester for the next two years.
After nearly five decades in London, The BRIT Awards were hosted in Manchester at Co-op Live earlier this year, and (in our opinion) proved to everyone why it’s the best city on Earth.
The 2026 BRITs delivered its biggest audience ever worldwide and was said to have had a record-breaking reach on socials too, cementing the show’s status as a global stage for showcasing talent.
So it’s only natural that the iconic celebration of UK music would be back for more.
Continuing on with this ‘bold new chapter’ for the legendary event, it has been confirmed that the show will take place on Saturday 27 February, airing on ITV1 and ITVX in a prime-time weekend slot that will see fans all over the UK and the world come together to celebrate the biggest artists and most exciting music of the year.
2027 is also a big year for the BRITs too, as next year’s ceremony is celebrating 50 years since the very first awards were televised.
“This year’s BRIT Awards in Manchester were a huge success, with a global reach and massive local impact, and we’re excited and ready to help make 2027 the biggest year yet for The BRITs,” commented Cllr Bev Craig, the Leader of Manchester City Council, ahead of next year’s ceremony.
The BRIT Awards will be returning to Manchester in 2027 / Credit: The Manc Group
“The impact of the awards was felt across the city region, from the cash benefit for our economy, showcasing small local music venues, incredible opportunities for our up-and-coming young musicians and creatives, and engagement with Greater Manchester schools.
“We’ll be creating even more ways for local people and for visitors to get involved in next year’s awards, which look set to be another incredible celebration of music and our city.”
Emily Sergeant -
4th April 2022 
