Ever wondered what that cute little cottage next to Dukes 92 overlooking the canal is all about?
If you’ve ever been to that area of Castlefield before in the city centre, then we bet you’ve clocked it.
It does stick out a bit, let’s be honest, but in the best way possible. Contrasting with the modernity of the overlooking Beetham Tower right on its doorstep, it remains a beautiful snapshot of cultural history amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.
You’ve probably thought up a couple of questions around it over the years too – Who lives there? What does it look like inside? Wait, is it even a house? Yes, we can confirm it is a real house and we’ve stumbled across it listed on Airbnb too, which essentially means, the answer to the question of ‘who lives there’, could be you.
Well, for a little bit at least.
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Lock Keepers Cottage is a “historic property on the Rochdale Canal in Castlefield” that actually dates as far back as the 1800’s and has still kept many of the original features intact and restored within the property.
According to the description on Airbnb, “not only does this property offer you privacy in the city, but it’s a stones throw from many local transport links and Manchester nightlife”, which makes it “ideal for couples, small groups, families and business travellers”.
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When you book the Lock Keepers Cottage on Airbnb, you’ll get access to the whole house.
The two-floored property has three bedrooms – two doubles and one single – a large, open-plan kitchen/diner, two separate reception rooms and a host of amenities throughout including, free WiFi, plenty of storage space for your luggage and complementary tea, coffee and biscuits provided.
The kitchen conservatory is said to “flood the house with natural light, so you can relax during your stay and enjoy your own corner of peace in the city”.
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There’s also a beautiful garden overlooking lock 92 along the iconic Rochdale Canal too.
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This really sounds like the perfect place for a city break ‘staycation’, doesn’t it?
If you’re looking for a bit more information, fancy having a read of the hundreds of positive reviews left for the property and host from previous happy visitors, or are keen to book/enquire about potential booking dates in the future, then you can find the Lock Keepers Cottage on Airbnb here.
Property
A FREE home show is coming to Manchester next month
Daisy Jackson
A brand-new event is heading to Manchester in May that’s been created to help people get on the first rung of the property ladder.
Whether you’re overwhelmed by taking that first step or wanting to find out more about affordable homeownership options, the Manchester Home Show promises to be a one-stop shop.
You’ll be able to chat to experts, receive FREE financial and legal advice, and learn all about schemes like Shared Ownership.
How do you actually buy a house? How can you boost your savings? How do you cope with the rising costs of owning a home? All these questions will be answered at the Manchester Home Show.
You’ll even be able to browse for a home, with leading providers showcasing new properties available across Manchester and the North West, each one suited to first time buyers, second-steppers and those looking to downsize.
There’ll be hundreds of affordable homes available to browse, from apartments to spacious homes.
If you spot your dream home, you’ll even be able to register your interest on the spot.
Sponsors of the event include major providers of first time buyer developments including Gecko Homes, L&Q, Places for People, Plumlife, and Tembo.
The free event will help you get to grips with the vast array of affordable homeownership options available.
Manchester Home Show is taking place in May
Expect live sessions and workshops, plenty of information on affordable housing products, and the chance to meet conveyancing solicitors and mortgage advisors with free one-on-one appointments.
You may also discover affordable buying schemes you didn’t know existed, like Shared Ownership, Deposit Unlock, First Homes, and schemes exclusive to people aged 55 and above.
There’ll be exclusive merchandise, prizes and incentives for all attendees.
The Manchester Home Show comes from Share to Buy, the country’s number one property portal dedicated to affordable homeownership.
The Manchester Home Show will take place on Saturday 31 May 2025 between 10.30am and 4pm, at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel.
It’s free to attend but you’ll need to register for tickets – head HERE to register.
You can also follow @sharetobuy on Instagram HERE for the latest.
Middleton to receive a cinema and Metrolink as part of regeneration plans
Thomas Melia
Greater Manchester town Middleton is about to undergo a huge facelift thanks to a new regeneration project, including a new cinema and Metrolink tram station.
Middleton is one of many bustling communities that make up the borough of Rochdale, and with these new plans, the town might receive a fair few new visitors who want to know what it’s all about.
The Greater Manchester town is undergoing a huge transformation with regeneration plans confirming that Middleton will receive a brand new cinema complex along with an extended Metrolink line as part of the Bee Network expansion covering this area.
This is all thanks to Middleton teaming up with the Mayor to launch the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), which pushes forward regeneration plans for the town and future ideas.
Middleton Shopping Centre right in the heart of the town centre.Middleton Town Centre bustling as the markets take place.Credit: Steven Haslington (via Geograph)/@Rept0n1x (via Flickr)
The MDC considers lots of aspects of the town and even aims to create new homes and improve surrounding public spaces.
Middleton regeneration plans have been floated previously, but complications arose due to a lack of land and available funding, which ultimately brought these foundations to a halt.
Now it seems the green light has been lifted and Middleton is about to get a whole new facelift, which will not only improve the town economically but aesthetically too, along with the wider Rochdale region.
For many Middletonians, the idea of a cinema may have felt like a distant memory, with their last big screen location shutting down just over a decade ago.
This all-new high street regeneration will not only bring an array of shopping favourites back to the town centre but also the long-awaited return of a local cinema. Most importantly, the plans also include a slate of new housing, with an estimated 300 apartments set to be created in one building alone.
Early CGIs of the proposed Middleton regeneration plans.Grade II-listed Warwick Mill looks set to be turned into flats.Credit: Publicity Picture (supplied)
This all falls in line with the ‘Atom Valley scheme‘, which has been commissioned in order to generate over 20,000 job opportunities for people in Bury, Oldham and Rochdale.
The scheme also mentions how it aims to bring a combined economic boost of around £1 billion to these previously mentioned areas.
Rochdale Borough Council leader, Neil Emmott, said: “The development of 1.2 million square metres of employment space around the junction 19 area will help to generate 20,000 high-quality jobs and bring a £1 billion economic boost.”
Emily Sergeant -
15th June 2020 
