The Factory: Extra £45 million needed for ‘world’s most ambitious arts space’ in Manchester
The plan to build one of the world's "largest, ambitious and versatile" arts spaces in Manchester will cost an extra £45 million to complete following the setbacks caused by COVID-19.
The plan to build one of the world’s “largest, most ambitious and most versatile” arts spaces in Manchester will cost an extra £45 million due to setbacks caused by COVID-19.
The Factory, which is being constructed at the old Granada TV studios on Quay Street, is anticipated to generate £1.1 billion for Manchester’s economy over ten years – hosting epic concerts and performances across music, dance, theatre and opera.
But Manchester City Council said it is unable to offer further funding for the project; and is instead generating extra money via ‘national funding sources and enhanced fundraising’.
The venue will now cost a total of £186m to build and will open to the public in December 2022.
850,000 visitors a year are expected to visit The Factory – with the completed venue set to create and support 1,500 new jobs according to the council.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Factory has also been designed to “support the next generation of local talent” – with a ‘Factory Futures’ programme benefitting up to 10,000 unemployed young people.
The council have described The Factory as a “key project which will help power Manchester’s economic recovery from the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic and help usher in an exciting new chapter.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This is a project which will have enormous benefits for the city and its people.
“It’s precisely because of these difficult times that it is even more important than ever that we deliver it.”
Tom Bloxham MBE, Manchester International Festival Chair, added: “The Factory will have a major impact on the lives of people living across Manchester, and will transform the cultural scene in the UK.
“As Manchester International Festival has already shown, The Factory will also strengthen Manchester’s reputation as an internationally important centre for culture and creativity, and as a significant international destination, but like MIF it will be proudly rooted in our great city.
“The Factory will play a key role in the lives of Greater Manchester residents, building on MIF’s record of working with communities, as audiences and as participants, and bringing jobs, skills, training and creative opportunities for local people and artists, as well as commercial benefit for Manchester’s businesses.”
News
Man arrested in relation to series of ‘aggravated’ burglaries in Oldham following urgent police appeal
Emily Sergeant
A man has been arrested in relation to a series of ‘aggravated’ burglaries in Oldham following an urgent police appeal last week.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that, between January and March of this year, there had been four linked incidents, as well as a further incident in October, where victims had been targeted in a similar way – with the suspect attempting to or gaining entry to their property, before demanding they hand over bank cards and pin codes.
And now, following a police appeal last week, the suspect – a man in his 30s – has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary, and he remains in custody for questioning.
Following the arrest of the man, who has not been named, police identified a potential further victim.
The incident involving this victim is believed to have occurred between Wednesday 4 November and Saturday 7 November at an address on Whitstable Close in the Chadderton area of Oldham, and during a search of the property, officers sadly found a deceased man in his 70s.
His death is currently being treated as ‘suspicious’, and the same man in his 30s arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary has been further arrested on suspicion of murder.
The victim’s next-of-kin have been informed, and they are being supported by police.
Following the arrests, Detective Superintendent Amber Waywell commented: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the gentleman who has sadly died and with his family and loved ones at what will be an incredibly difficult and distressing time.
“This remains a complex and developing investigation, and we are working hard to establish the full circumstances surrounding his death.
“I would like to thank the outstanding work of our detectives, who have shown real determination and persistence throughout this investigation.
“We are also extremely grateful to everyone who came forward following our media appeals.”
Featured Image – Wikipedia Commons
News
Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
The Manc -
6th October 2020 
