It’s been a long time coming… but work has now finally begun to transform Ancoats Green into the “green heart” of the neighbourhood.
Manchester City Council has confirmed that major investment is now underway to create a much-improved city centre park space as part of “the closing chapter” of the regeneration of the Ancoats area that began more than 20 years ago.
Developers say the new park will act as a “focal point” for the popular Manchester neighbourhood as part of a wider public realm investment in that’s aiming to “celebrate the industrial and manufacturing heritage” of this part of the city centre.
New walking and cycling routes also form part of the project to “encourage active travel”, as does “significant” planting of new wetland areas and wildflowers to add colour all year round.
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Work begins on ‘closing chapter’ of £32m Ancoats Green regeneration project / Credit: Manchester City Council
On top of this, given the fact that ‘community’ is said to be right at the heart of the project, along with the ambition to make a high quality and multi-functional greenspace for both existing and future generations, new play areas with accessible equipment, open grassed areas, generous footpaths, and spaces for hosting small events will also be created.
Funds for the project are being provided through Homes England and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to create the “necessary infrastructure” so that 1,500 new homes can also eventually be built.
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Homes England has committed £28.1 million to the overall project, along with £4.7 million allocated by GMCA, to bring the total budget to £32.7 million.
The first artist impression images of the project have been released this week / Credit: Manchester City Council
Bev Craig, who is the leader of Manchester City Council, said she’s pleased that work is now underway on the final part of the regeneration to what is now one of Manchester city centre’s most sought-after and popular residential areas.
“We know that more and more people are choosing to have families in the city centre,” Cllr Craig continued, “and we have an opportunity, through this investment, to create a new green heart for Ancoats with open grassed spaces and new play park that will allow the community grow and knit around it.
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“This is part of a long-standing and long-term commitment that we have to make Manchester a greener, more attractive, and cleaner place to live.
“We are committed to creating more high-quality green spaces for residents and visitors.
“Ancoats Green will be the focal point that this neighbourhood needs, becoming the lynchpin of the ongoing development in the area, and the final chapter on the regeneration of Ancoats over the last two decades.”
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 -
19th January 2024 
