An enormous new cafe, bar, restaurant and social workspace is opening its doors in Manchester next week, as Junction unveils its beautiful interiors.
The huge new space is attached to one of the most iconic buildings in the city – Manchester Central, the giant conference centre in the heart of the city.
Junction stands at the top of the steps to the familiar domed building, which was formerly a railway station but closed to passengers in 1969.
Situated in Petersfield, just across from The Midland hotel and Bridgewater Hall, this landmark new opening will be welcoming guests from breakfast until evening drinks.
It will cater to the countless people who attend events at Manchester Central every year, as well as locals, tourists, remote workers and families visiting or living in the city.
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Inside the beautiful new space, they’ve subtly reflected the history of the former railway station in the decor, using industrial curved architecture to their advantage.
Junction is decorated in shades of pinks, jades and corals, with an impressive central bar bathed in pink light.
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Inside Junction. Credit: The Manc GroupJunction is opening at Manchester Central. Credit: The Manc GroupThe restaurant space at Junction in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
There are several distinct zones to Junction, whether you’re wanting to kick back in a relaxing sofa to catch up with friends or colleagues, tuck into a booth for a lunch meeting, or perch at the bar to sip on cocktails.
There are coffees, pastries, brunches and small plates served in the venue’s bright and air lounge area, while the intimate restaurant space has an open kitchen serving lunches, after work and weekend dining.
It’s manned by head chef Liam Raynor, formerly of The Lowry Theatre, who’s creating a menu of modern European classics.
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The menu is heavily influenced by the Mediterranean, with specialities like rare bred pork schnitzel with Burford Brown egg, or stone bass with pressed potato, samphire, mussels, vermouth and paprika sauce.
Junction is an all-day work space and cafe. Credit: The Manc GroupThe central bar at Junction. Credit; The Manc GroupFood at Junction. Credit: The Manc Group
Smaller plates include salt cod croquettes and muhammara flatbreads with walnuts, onion powder, Lombardi chillis and sumac.
Will Alston has created a 15-strong cocktail menu which includes Tenth Summer (a delicate mix of Havana 7yr, pickled cherry, honey and lemon), and the A Factor Sour (a refreshing blend of El Tequileno reposado, Avallen Calvados, agave, sherbet apple and citrus.
Several of the cocktails can be made non-alcoholic too.
The Manc readers can enjoy 10% off their bill by following Junction on Instagram and showing this video on arrival.
Cheshire Oaks is hosting a FREE exclusive gig this summer to celebrate its 30th anniversary
Daisy Jackson
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet will be celebrating its 30th anniversary with a huge, free concert that’ll hark back to the 2000s.
The hugely popular shopping destination, where visitors can save big on luxury brands, will be inviting customers to a totally free summer gig on a stage built on site.
It’s part of the wider 30th anniversary celebrations, and will include a headline performance from a top-secret 2000s music act.
All they’ve revealed about the headliner so far is that they have a catalogue of number one singles and beloved hits…
But also on the line-up that has been confirmed is a DJ set from Take That legend Howard Donald, and a hosting slot from Hits Radio DJ Kimberly Wyatt.
There are still supporting acts to be announced in due course, with Cheshire Oaks promising ‘high energy and big personality’.
Taking place in the evening of Friday 6 June, the Cheshire Oaks 30th anniversary party will be free to shoppers and visitors.
And a select group of VIPs from the local community will have the opportunity to meet the mystery headliner in person.
Cheshire Oaks is hosting a FREE exclusive gig this summer to celebrate its 30th anniversary
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet will be giving back to its local charity partners, including The Hospice of The Good Shepherd, Koala, Flynns Port in the Storm and Claire House amongst others, as well as its staff and their families, with exclusive golden circle access for the best seats in the house.
The anniversary gig is part of the shopping village’s ongoing celebration of its three-decade-long history.
Earlier this year, Cheshire Oaks unveiled its 2025 Style Report, revealing that 63% of Brits now prefer shopping in person rather than online, as well as the resurgence of nostalgic fashion trends from the 90s, from baggy trousers to full denim looks.
It’s the UK’s largest designer outlet, with more than 400,000 sq ft of retail space and more than 165 brands.
Kenny Murray, general manager at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, said: “This anniversary is a moment to celebrate the rich history and vibrant future of Cheshire Oaks. We have evolved continuously over the last three decades, and now it’s time to celebrate in true style.
“Over our 30 years we’ve built a real sense of community that makes this centre special and we want to celebrate this milestone with the local area and people so close to our heart.
“This summer’s music event, crowned by a secret headline act, promises to be a truly special experience, and a way that we can give back to the loyal customers who have trusted us to bring them the latest fashion trends since the 90s, we can’t wait to enjoy it with them.”
For more information about Cheshire Oaks and its upcoming summer gig, head HERE.
The local property developers helping Mancs buy a home without the large deposit
Emily Sergeant
A North West developer that specialises in creating Shared Ownership homes currently has eight new developments under construction across Manchester.
Getting your foot on theproperty ladder or taking the next step to owning a bigger home can be one of the most challenging things to do and is often not financially viable for a lot of people – and this is whereGecko Homes‘ unique Shared Ownership scheme comes in.
The developer is enabling first time buyers and other qualifying homebuyers to purchase shares in its homes instead.
With deposits from as little as £2,438, the scheme means residents can buy shares ranging from 10% all the way up to 75% instead and then pay rent on the rest, with the option to increase the share percentage at later dates, all the way up to outright ownership.
Gecko Homes is helping Mancs get on the property ladder / Credit: Supplied
As mentioned, the company is currently working on eight new developments across Manchester in some of the city’s most sought-after suburbs, and prospective buyers can now register their interest.
One of the most popular developments currently underway is ‘Tatton Place’ in Sale – which is a redevelopment of a historic Masonic Hall and police station into 31 homes, including two and three-bedroom houses, one and two-bedroom apartments, and several stunning duplexes, all with access to both private and communal gardens.
Another key development is ‘Emerald Way’ over in the popular Manchester suburban town of Chorlton, where prices start from £60,625 for a 25% share, meaning a buyer would only need a deposit of £3,031.
Over in West Didsbury is one of largest ongoing developments called ‘Two Didsbury Point’, which is a £20 million scheme of 76 affordable homes across two connected eight and five-storey blocks – 46 of those being for shared ownership – on the site of the former Withington Hospital, with an outdoor communal terrace and green spaces for residents to enjoy.
Another one of the developments currently in the works that prospective buyers can now register their interest for is ‘Boundary View’, which lies in the thriving Manchester community of Old Trafford.
“Our Shared Ownership model has transformed people’s lives by giving them a way onto the property ladder in a modern, stylish, and high-quality home that they can afford to live in,” explained Christina Tattersall, who is the Head of Sales at Gecko Homes.
Eight developments are currently underway across Manchester / Credit: Supplied
“All of our latest developments are already generating high levels of interest from local people who want to live in some of Manchester’s most popular and vibrant suburbs that all benefit from great amenities and regular transport links.
“Each development will be finished to a very high specification, with contemporary kitchens and bathrooms, as well as luxury floorings and quality fixtures and fittings throughout.”
Residents interested in any of these developments are asked to visit Gecko Homes’ website here to find out more and register their details now.
Prices shown are based on 25% Shared Ownership and a 95% LTV mortgage. All properties are bought as leasehold, with full terms applying, and prices shown may be subject to change and are a guide only.
Daisy Jackson -
19th July 2024 
