A brand new rental development that’s bringing the ‘co-living’ concept to Manchester city centre is nearing completion, as Square Gardens launches a show apartment giving a look inside its beautiful spaces.
The scheme between First Street and the Mancunian Way will provide more than 1,772 new homes, and will boast one of the largest outdoor green spaces in the city.
There’s a mixture of accommodation options too, from shared three to five bed co-living apartments to one-bed and studio apartments.
The co-living concept means that you can rent your own en-suite bedroom within a shared apartment. Renting a whole apartment solo can be intimidatingly expensive, so co-living is a much more accessible way to get yourself a foothold in the city centre.
It works much like student halls, but with considerably less alcopops (unless you’re still into those…)
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The spaces have been carefully designed to maximise space too, and come fully furnished.
One of the bedrooms in a co-living apartmentOne of the bedrooms in a co-living apartmentOne of the double bedrooms in the co-living apartments at Square Gardens in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupBedroom options in Square Gardens’ co-living apartments. Credit: The Manc Group
Each en-suite room has huge wardrobes, under-bed storage and desks with more built-in storage.
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The apartments boast high specification living spaces with light, fresh and contemporary design with beautiful furniture pieces. Features include integrated appliances, comfortable living spaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the southern side of Manchester city centre.
Then if you do want your own space completely to yourself, there are one-bedroom apartments and studios where you have your own kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom.
Each monthly rental fee includes all your utilities, super-fast WiFi, and access to the shared amenities across the neighbourhood.
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CGIs of how Square Gardens will look on completion. Credit: SuppliedCGIs of how Square Gardens will look on completion. Credit: SuppliedCGIs of how Square Gardens will look upon completion. Credit: Supplied
Square Gardens amenities for residents include a gym, wellness centre, and co-working spaces.
There are also lounges, a cinema room and a private dining area that you can book.
And the whole development is being built inside what will be the largest private landscaped garden in Manchester at 2.5 acres – which as those of us who already live in the city centre know, is a huge selling point.
There’ll be a series of community events, activities and clubs held for residents of Square Gardens, all year round.
The co-living kitchen inside the apartmentsCo-living shared apartments at Square GardensCommunal areas in Square Gardens’ co-living apartments. Credit: The Manc Group
Square Gardens is set to be the largest co-living development in the UK when it opens this September.
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The first phase of the Square Gardens development, known as Acer, is where the show apartment is located and is now available to view.
Soopa Hooch are on the hunt for the UK’s next big DJ to support Girls Don’t Sync member at XLR
Lydia Mastrolonardo
It’s no secret that Manchester has gained a surplus of aspiring DJs in recent years – well now it’s time to put those skills to use and show the rest of the UK what Manchester is made of.
Soopa Hooch has just launched Soopa Charged Sounds, an exciting competition, aiming to uncover emerging talent across the UK, offering one lucky winner the opportunity to perform at XLR, supporting member of Girl’s Don’t Sync, Gaia Ahuja aka G33.
Not only would the winner gain the platform to showcase their skills but they would also gain a year’s supply of Soopa Hooch drinks and a home DJ set up – now have I got your attention?
Come on, it seems only right that a Mancunian should win considering the event would be hosted inside our very own iconic nightclub, XLR Manchester.
So, if it’s always your job to supply the music wherever you go, you’re the friend that never fails to know the track ID or you simply practice in the safety of your bedroom – this is your time to shine. Dust off those decks, brush up on your mixes and get applying.
Soopa Hooch, the wild, bolder cousin of the classic Hooch, is an 8% ABV sparkling vodka mix available in five different flavours – Blue Raspberry, Twisted Tropical, Electric Lemonade, Darkest Berry and Cherry Cola, providing the perfect flavour for every kind of playlist.
Sam Watson, Brand Manager at Soopa Hooch and Hooch, commented: “We know there’s a huge amount of undiscovered DJ talent out there, whether they’re creating mixes at home or already making waves in their local scene.
“We’ve launched Soopa Charged Sounds to give that talent a platform to get their skills heard, and we can’t wait to shine a light on DJs who are bringing energy to pre-drinks and parties across the country.”
Soopa Hooch are on the hunt for the UK’s next big DJ. Credit: The Manc GroupThe chosen DJ will support Girls Don’t Sync member G33 at XLR. Credit: Supplied
Think you or someone you know has what it takes? Simply create a 15-20-minute mini mix and submit it via the Soopa Hooch website to enter by Thursday 26 November 2026.
The mixes will be reviewed by a panel of experts, from regional DJ radio stations up and down the country, on the following five key criteria: creativity, originality, ability, energy and overall suitability. Five finalists will then be announced on Sunday 20 December, before the lucky winner is crowned on Thursday 28 January 2027.
The Soopa Charged Sounds winner will then swap their bedroom desks for the big stage, for a live performance at XLR nightclub, on Friday 26 February 2027.
You can meet Father Christmas at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum this festive season
Emily Sergeant
Father Christmas will be paying a very special visit to one of Manchester’s best tourist attractions this festive season.
And you can now book tickets to take the little ones to meet him.
Now that Halloween has passed and November is here, things are really starting to get all festive across Manchester – especially with the Manchester Christmas Markets and Skate Manchester opening from this Friday – so it really won’t be long before Santa sets off on his present delivery rounds. But before then, he’ll be making a special stop in our city first.
That’s because the Science and Industry Museum is inviting you to meet Father Christmas in the atmospheric surroundings of Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery.
Starting later this month from Saturday 21 November and running on selected dates throughout December, this is your chance to meet the main man himself and his friendly elves in one of the most unique settings in the city – set against a backdrop of iconic locomotives and historic engines.
Formerly a shipping shed for the world’s first inter-city steam-powered passenger railway, Power Hall will once again become a hub for deliveries – only this time, for Father Christmas’ presents.
Visitors will get to explore Power Hall and discover the story of the packages and goods that used to arrive there, before making their way up the platform to meet the big red man and receive a special science-themed gift.
Not only that, but on two special dates – Saturday 21 November and Wednesday 23 December – visitors will be invited to enjoy even more Christmas cheer, as the museum welcomes classic Victorian-costumed carol singers to add to the magical atmosphere.
You can meet Father Christmas at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum this festive season / Credit: Science Museum Group
A number of accessible events will also be running, including BSL supported sessions on the afternoon of Saturday 12 December, and relaxed performances to accommodate a quieter experience and slightly longer time with Father Christmas on both Sunday 29 November and Friday 18 December.
If you want to make a day of it, you’ll also be able to explore the rest of the museum’s free interactive galleries and displays as part of your visit, tuck into some festive food in the museum cafe, and pick up discounted souvenirs in the gift shop before you leave.
Tickets for the Father Christmas at the Museum experience are now on sale, setting you back £15 per child (including a gift) – with accompanying adults going free.
Daisy Jackson -
20th March 2024 
