The smash-hit ‘Mamma Mia: The Party’ is set to land in Manchester next year as the maiden event of another brand-new space set to open as part of the upcoming Medlock Square development.
Etihad Campus has seen a lot of moving pieces over the past few years, be it the building of Co-op Live, the ongoing expansion of Man City’s home ground, the soon-to-launch hotel attached to the stadium and now Medlock.
But those in control of the land are content with stopping there; this looks to be just the start of a whole new evolution for the East Manchester area, with an as yet untitled new immersive arts, experience and events venue also set to join the new slate of projects.
You see another glimpse of the purpose-built mini arena, of sorts, down below.
With plans having now been approved by the City Council, the ‘immersive’ space will be situated between the Etihad, Co-op Live and Medlock Square itself, holding up to 600 guests per performance.
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Currently set to open in late 2027, following the rest of the square’s launch window being fully rolled out, we still don’t know the name of this next addition, but the structure itself will dovetail with the surrounding buildings and areas as part of seasonal activations, live shows and sports screenings, as well as pop-ups, brand collaborations and more.
Looping back, the interactive, multimedia extravaganza that is ‘Mamma Mia! The Party’ will finally be making its Manc debut as part of the 10th anniversary of the all-singing, all-dancing and even all-dining in-demand production.
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As per an official press release from the Medlock Square media team, the show will combine “live music, theatre, food and storytelling” and “offer visitors an unforgettable night out.”
The original UK production at The O2 in London has now surpassed more than 1,500 performances, with a total of 700k guests attending these shows in 110 countries across the globe. Safe to say it’s rather popular.
As for Medlock Square and the surrounding Etihad Campus, Manchester City supporters have also been given another look at the soon-to-open, immersive hotel tie-in experience.
With a skywalk, rooftop bar, a new MCFC shop and various other bits set to spill out onto Medlock Square, it all feels like a period of wholesale changes over in the blue half of the city – especially with the football club bidding farewell to their manager Pep Guardiola after more than a decade.
Following the new and improved North Stand being named after him in the first of many tributes, the City Football Group (CFG) are also set to commission a statue in his honour over the coming months.
Meanwhile, Medlock Square is also due to open later this year, although an official completion date has not been confirmed.
You can stay up to date with all the latest on Mamma Mia! The Part’s Manchester shows right HERE.
Not forgetting a brand-new women’s football facility, too, there is so much stuff going on over at the Etihad that it can be hard to keep track, but here’s the latest look at some of the rooms set to feature in the hotel of the same name.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (CGIs via Medlock Square)
Property
‘Own a landmark, create a legacy’ – Historic chimney goes on sale for £300k in Bolton
Emily Sergeant
How would you like to live in a big chimney?
I know that might sound like an odd question, and in some respects, it is… but we’re being 100% genuine, as over in Bolton there is currently a historic local landmark on the market with planning permission to make it into your new home, and it’ll only set you back £300,000.
‘Only’ is a bit of a stretch, but when you consider the magnitude of this property, it’s surprising that you’re able to get your hands on it for such a reasonable price.
This is Barrow Bridge Chimney.
Rising above the tranquil stone cottages and wooded valley of the stunning model village that is Barrow Bridge, this striking Victorian chimney stands as a lone sentinel of Bolton’s proud industrial past – and now, with full planning permission secured, estate agents say it offers an ‘extraordinary opportunity’ to reimagine history as a truly one-of-a-kind home.
A historic chimney has gone on sale for £300k in Bolton / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
Originally built in the early 19th century as part of the ‘ambitious’ Dean Mills complex, the chimney once crowned a thriving cotton-spinning hub founded by Thomas Bazley, who was one of the Industrial Revolution’s great innovators.
Long after the mills fell silent though, the chimney endured and remained a local landmark in Smithills visible for miles, and today this relic of the steam age is ready for its next chapter.
Approved plans for the chimney are described as being a ‘bold’ residential conversion that will honour its industrial heritage, while still creating a dramatic modern dwelling like no other in the town.
The planning permission is in place for a two-storey residence of approximately 3,939 sq ft, with a striking contemporary design blended seamlessly with practical living.
The planning permission is in place for a ‘striking’ two-storey residence / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
The approved plans include three spacious bedrooms (two with en-suites), a family bathroom, a downstairs cloakroom, and a study that can easily adapted to a four-bedroom, four-bathroom layout to suit modern family life.
What makes this an even more attractive prospect for future buyers is that the chimney is well-connected to both amenities and nature – with both independent businesses, good local schools, and convenient transport links on the doorstep, as well as parks and tree-lined walks.
“This is your chance to own more than bricks and mortar,” estate agents Miller Metcalfe said.
“It’s a chance to live inside a landmark, to shape its story for future generations, and to call a piece of Bolton’s proud industrial heritage your own. Enquire now to discover how you can transform this iconic chimney into a legacy home that will stand for generations to come.”
Fancy it then? Take a look at the property on Rightmove here.
Featured Image – Miller Metcalfe
Property
Manchester furniture outlet LOFT is hosting a major closing-down sale with up to 70% off
Emily Sergeant
Manchester furniture outlet LOFT is hosting a major closing-down sale with up to 70% off.
Okay, so it’s not technically closing down per se, but the current LOFT premises off Hyde Road near Piccadilly will officially close doors on 30 September, as the business consolidates its operations and relocates to its newly completed headquarters over at Trafford Park.
Unlike a typical closing-down sale, the stock isn’t old or unwanted. Instead, it’s a live snapshot of LOFT’s day-to-day business, and everything must go.
LOFT is known for furnishing properties across the build-to-rent, student accommodation, co-living, private rented, and social housing sectors, and that constant turnover naturally generates surplus – whether it be project overstock, end-of-line pieces or discontinued items making way for new collections.
The move over to Trafford Park is said to be a moment to clear the warehouse ‘completely’ and start the new chapter with a clean slate.
Manchester furniture outlet LOFT is hosting a major closing-down sale with up to 70% off / Credit: Supplied
This means that everything, from sofas and beds, to dining sets, armchairs, and home accessories, must go before the move, with prices already reduced by 50 to 70% below RRP.
Benjamin Hall, who is the Founder and CEO of LOFT, says this is the ‘biggest and best value’ sale the company has ever offered.
He explained: “As we settle into our new home at Trafford Park, we want a completely clean slate. Whether you’re a homeowner after a one-off bargain, or a landlord, agent or developer furnishing multiple units on a budget, there has never been a better time to visit.”
Danny Jones -
12th June 2026 
