North Manchester is set to become home to a huge new public green space within the next couple of years.
Forming part of Manchester City Council and Far East Consortium’s (FEC) ‘Northern Gateway’ masterplan – recently rebranded as ‘Victoria North’ – to regenerate and rejuvenate over 390-acres of land into new communities over the next two decades, the proposed City River Park will boast 113 acres of landscaped green space.
Set to be completed by 2024 in the north eastern area of the city, City River Park is expected to incorporate part of St Catherine’s Wood and the River Irk.
Much of this land is currently disused and has sadly become somewhat of a fly-tipping hotspot.
City River Park has been described as “a park for the people”.
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A description of the proposed plans for the park on the Victoria North website reads: “At the heart of the regeneration is the City River Park, which covers 113 acres of new and improved parkland and will become one of Manchester’s largest city centre green spaces.
“The park will vary in character providing a diverse and active new recreational corridor for the community including parks and smaller amenity spaces.
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“City River Park will enhance existing habitats and create new habitats for wildlife, and be guided by climate positive design to create results which as carbon neutral as possible. Connectivity and accessibility are also key ensuring high quality pedestrian and cycle movement within luscious green spaces for active lifestyles and wellbeing”.
The £4 billion ‘Victoria North’ project will aim to create around 15,000 homes north of Manchester Victoria train station over the next 20 years, and is made up of seven neighbourhoods.
These neighbourhoods are: Collyhurst Village – which Manchester City Council and FEC submitted first phase regeneration plans for last month – Collyhurst South, New Cross, New Town, Red Bank, Vauxhall Gardens, and Smedley Dip and Eggington Street.
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Speaking on the decision to rebrand as ‘Victoria North’, Gavin Taylor – Regional General Manager at FEC in Manchester – said: “The Northern Gateway has served us well as a name as we shaped plans for the area’s regeneration, but as we begin to bring forward development this year, it’s the right time to start creating a sense of place for what will be a significant new district in Manchester, as well as an identity that people can engage with”.
Introducing the North of England’s biggest urban regeneration project!
He continued: “When taken together, Victoria North’s seven neighbourhoods are greater than the sum of their parts and we want there to be a sense of cohesion between them.
“Each area will have its own unique characteristics, meaning we can celebrate the rich identities of existing communities that we’re passionate about preserving, alongside new ones that we’re excited to be creating.”
Sir Richard Leese – Leader of Manchester City Council – added: “We are at the beginning of an incredibly exciting phase of history for this part of Manchester and with some eagerness to see how this potential unfolds”.
You can find more information about the Victoria North project here.
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
The Manc -
18th March 2021 
