A new property has gone up for sale in Greater Manchester but you’ll have to act fast otherwise it’ll sail right past you – literally.
Ever fancied living on a yacht in Sicily or a cruise ship in the Caribbean? Well, now you can live your nautical dreams right here in the heart of Greater Manchester.
I hope blue is your favourite colour because this barge is decked out floor to ceiling in this deep maritime tone, even the kitchen cupboards are blue, pastel to be specific.
The main living area and kitchen are open plan with walls that span three-quarters of the property‘s width creating a corridor between the two bedrooms and bathroom.
The living room interior with a gorgeous fluffy rug.The view of the living area with the dual fuel log burner.Credit: On The Market
In terms of the cooking space, the kitchen is fully fitted with all the appliances you could ever need, perfect for a lazy Sunday when all you’re after is a full English and a nice comforting view.
ADVERTISEMENT
As you can see, there’s also a cute skylight window above the kitchen which brings in more natural light and broadens perspectives within this area, although it’s quite roomy anyway.
Both bedrooms are quite sizeable meaning you don’t have to downsize or reduce your wardrobe and your other half can stop insisting you do (just us? Never mind).
ADVERTISEMENT
Now, sit back, relax and just imagine drinking a prosecco while perched under the British sun on your new barge balcony.
If this barge wasn’t snug enough how about a log burner to go with it, and not just any log burner, a dual fuel log burner, that’ll keep you toasty.
Situated on Pennington Marina in Leigh, there’s a small collection of amenities nearby including a chippy and restaurant just a seven-minute walk away, I know where I’m off for tea.
ADVERTISEMENT
That stunning kitchen with matching all blue decorum.The cozy main bedroom pefectly covered in rugs and blankets.Credit: On The Market
And if you’re ever in the mood for a walk, just hop off your cruiser and let your feet lead the way along the canal to the interesting and quirky Lock Gates Monument, only eight minutes away.
Overall, this houseboat is 70ft she’s definitely not small, this really is like a home away from home, the only difference is this one’s on water.
Interested in ditching land in favour of water or just feel like having a nosey, you can find the two-bedroom houseboat listing with all its pictures and floor plan HERE.
Co-op Live has just revealed plans for a brand new canalside development, with a cafe, bar, kitchen and merchandise store.
With a 600-person capacity, the proposed new space would take shape on the south terrace, immediately adjacent to the venue.
The proposal includes a cafe and bar for residents and visitors, as well as being available for community and private hire use.
The canalside development beside Co-op Live also features a merchandise store.
Initial CGIs show a modern two-storey space with several outdoor terrace areas.
Co-op Live has revealed the plans as part of the ongoing expansion of the Etihad Campus and wider East Manchester area.
The new space has been designed in keeping with the rest of the Co-op Live exterior and could double up as a second stand-alone event space.
Ticket-holders for gigs at the music-first live music arena will have access to the development before shows, further boosting the gig-going experience.
The space will feature dedicated toilets, accessible and baby change areas, and an accessible lift.
Co-op Live has already redeveloped part of East Manchester as part of its build, creating a ‘Citylink’ walking route between the city centre and the Etihad Campus, lined with art installations.
The venue is hosting an open exhibition so that people can discover more about the canalside proposal, before a planning application is submitted to Manchester City Council.
The exhibition will take place on Thursday 10 April – visitors can access the venue’s Co-op Backstage Club through Entrance G from 5pm until 8pm. Head HERE to learn more.
A much-loved independent Manchester cafe is heading out of the city centre for the first time as they plan to open a brand new premises over in Bolton.
Bolton as a town and wider borough has no shortage of cosy little caffs, but the addition of this latest place for a brew, butty and a bake is sure to be an instant hit just as it was in Ancoats.
To call Cafe Cotton a cult favourite would be grossly understating things at this point: the Blossom St spot tucked into Hallé St Peter’s is not only a beautiful space inside but looks out onto Manchester’s trendy and ever-bustling Cutting Room Square, making it a great place to sit with a coffee.
With that in mind, as they prepare to open their third location further out towards Lancashire, Boltonians have every reason to be very excited.
Cafe Cotton is coming to a town in Bolton. (Credit: The Manc Group)
The indie success story began way back in 2013, if you can believe that, serving sandwiches, sweet treats and more to the Manc masses.
Oh yeah, they also do bloody brilliant coffee that’s considered some of the best in the city.
Opening another venue on the ground floor of Neptune Mill in neighbouring Piccadilly East just this past January, the expansion of the brand has been a relatively steady one despite more than a decade of loyal patrons and new customers becoming each year.
However, good things come to those who wait, as we’re sure the Bolton natives will vouch for when the next Cafe Cotton opens up in Farnworth Green.
The opening date might still be up in the air, but here’s a little glimpse at the kind of goodness they can expect to enjoy:
The new addition is part of the overall Farnworth regeneration project, which is being headed up by investors Capital and Centric, who are famously responsible for numerous new developments in and around Manchester in recent years. Over £20 million has been set aside for the wider plans.
Cotton Cafe’s founder, Chris Griffith, said of the soon-to-open site: “We’ve been on an amazing journey growing Cotton, and we’re incredibly grateful for the loyal following we’ve cultivated. Now, Farnworth Green feels like the perfect next step.
“This isn’t just about opening another café; it’s about investing in a community. The bakery is a big move for us too, allowing us to craft everything from scratch and supply all our locations with freshly made goods.
“We’re also buzzing to team up with Bolton Council to offer apprenticeships, helping young people take their first step into the industry.” The authority itself is actually looking for a project lead as we speak.
Is this the start of a big period of change for Bolton?
Thomas Melia -
25th January 2025 
