When most people think about apartment living in Manchester, our minds will conjure up the obvious – a big converted mill building with beams and brick walls.
But those of us who’ve tried flat-hunting in the last decade will know that these beautiful old buildings are actually few and far between these days.
Enter Kampus, and specifically the Minshull Warehouse building, where the apartments are as classically Manchester as it gets.
This former Victorian textiles warehouse (told you it was very Manc) has been converted into a beautiful building of one-and-two bedroom flats, where historic brickwork sits alongside modern, modular fittings.
The building itself is woven into Manchester’s history, having been the birthplace of Baracuta’s iconic Harrington Jacket.
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Minshull Warehouse at Kampus is home to some of Manchester’s coolest apartments. Credit: The Manc Group
And now it’s making a modern-day name for itself too, as part of Kampus’s leafy, independent neighbourhood.
Kampus let us into one of the two-bedroom Minshull Warehouse apartments for a nosey, and the pictures really speak for themselves.
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As you walk into this top-floor apartment, the first thing that strikes you is the huge vaulted ceiling, with a skylight insert that is flooding the space with (admittedly rare) sunlight.
It’s a massive open-plan living space, fully furnished with a comfy couch and armchair.
These Kampus apartments come with a huge open-plan living space
The dining area is positioned by a large window that overlooks the carefully landscaped Kampus grounds (this neighbourhood is all about the greenery) and over to the historic university buildings on Sackville Street.
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There’s a well-equipped kitchen too, with an integrated fridge and dishwasher, plus a huge cupboard that’s home to a washing machine.
Another rarity in the Manchester rental market is that the two bedrooms are almost exactly the same size, so there’s no scrapping over who gets lumped with the box room.
The master bedroom in the Minshull Street apartment at KampusThe second bedroom in the Minshull Street apartment at Kampus
The ‘master’ bedroom has its own huge en suite, which is a plus, but the other bedroom can make use of the main bathroom which is also enormous.
And the second bedroom gets an extra built-in wardrobe – we know which one we’d pick.
Throughout the Minshull Street apartment you’ll find restored details amongst the modern makeover, in massive wooden ceiling beams and exposed brick walls.
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And of course, your rent at Kampus doesn’t just cover your beautiful new pad.
Amenities at Kampus include access to a private cinemaThere’s also a roof terrace for Kampus residents
It also includes all the amenities that have been built into the neighbourhood’s redevelopment, from the huge communal gym to the lush gardens.
There’s a roof terrace, a cinema, private dining room, co-working spaces, lounges and loads more facilities exclusively for Kampus residents.
Major Christmas lights switch-on event announced at Manchester’s iconic Printworks
Daisy Jackson
Printworks has announced details of a major Christmas lights switch-on event, with celebrity guest Will Mellor.
Set to be the biggest switch-on event in Manchester city centre, the celebration will include a festive singalong and live entertainment, plus a 16ft digital tree and plenty more.
And as part of the wider festive celebrations at Printworks, there’ll be 25 prizes to be won all the way through December, including hotel stays and other goodies from the businesses based in the landmark building.
The Printworks Christmas Lights switch-on will take place on Saturday 29 November, kicking off at 4.30pm with a performance from the brilliant roaming brass band, Mr Wilson’s Second Liners.
Then there’ll be a family Christmas singalong at 5pm on Printworks’ interactive gaming screen, where Mancs can belt out classic Christmas hits together.
At 6pm, the almighty 16ft digital Christmas tree will be officially switched on by TV legend Will Mellor, along with a new festive display appearing overhead on Europe’s largest digital ceiling.
Printworks will host its Christmas Lights switch-on event in November. Credit: Jason Lock Photography
Expect to see Santa’s sleigh flying across the building, and Santa Claus himself pointing out passers-by and revealing if they’ve made the naughty or nice list.
The event will finish with a one-hour DJ set from Jack Clark to keep visitors in the festive spirit. Throughout December, visitors to Printworks can enter daily prize-draws at the digital Christmas tree, with big prizes up for grabs.
Daniel Davis, Centre Manager, said: “Families loved last year’s festive switch-on, which brought light to the city when the citywide celebration was cancelled. We’re thrilled to bring it back even bigger and brighter.
“With our incredible digital ceiling and new interactive features, we’re giving visitors a Christmas experience like no other full of music, magic and surprises.
“Our 16ft digital tree is something truly unique to Manchester, and with 25 prizes up for grabs throughout December, there’s a real reason to keep coming back. Whether you’re joining us for the switch-on or popping in for a festive meal or film, we can’t wait to celebrate with the community.”
The Christmas switch-on event at Printworks in Manchester
4.30pm – Live band performance with Mr Wilson’s Second Liners
5pm – Family singalong
5.30pm – Live band performance with Mr Wilson’s Second Liners
6pm – Christmas switch-on with Will Mellor
6.30pm – Live band performance with Mr Wilson’s Second Liners
Rochdale to be filled with fiery sculptures for return of dazzling Ignite Fire Festival
Daisy Jackson
A magical trail of fire sculptures and light installations will return to Rochdale this month, spilling across the square and gardens around the almighty Rochdale Town Hall.
Ignite Fire Festival will be back in town this winter between 21 and 23 November, for three free nights of spectacular shows, light trails and family-friendly entertainment.
That’s alongside an ice rink and Christmas market, too.
It’s all in the lead-up to the festive lights switch-on and will include a 20-strong drumming collective, blazing fire sculptures, and illuminated installations.
This year’s Ignite Fire Festival will be the biggest yet, Rochdale Borough Council has promised, with artworks created once again by multi-award-winning outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank.
The event will kick off on the Friday of the festival with a torchlight procession to officially launch the new Broadfield Slopes, which has been carefully restored to deliver new pathways and parkland in the town centre.
Thousands of people are expected to attend again, for an evening that includes flaming hot performances from some of the north’s top talent and ‘Drum Machine’ – the 20 strong drumming collective will be bringing their techno infused beats.
Rochdale Ignite Fire Festival. Credit: Walk the Plank / Alan Hamer
There‘ll also be hot food, mulled wine and other seasonal drinks.
Rochdale’s Ice Rink by Santa’s Village will also be open and running until 4 January, although advance booking is advised.
Councillor Sue Smith says: “Ignite Fire Festival and Christmas Light’s Switch On has been a huge hit with audiences across Greater Manchester.
“This year, with the addition of a new illuminated trail around our beautifully restored slopes area, the ice rink and the return of a Christmas Market it really will be the ultimate winter experience.”
Ignite Fire Festival, sponsored by car supermarket The Trade Centre UK, will open from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 November, with dazzling shows between 5pm and 8pm.
One of the installations from last yearDisplays will be open to walk through each eveningRochdale Ignite Fire Festival. Credit: Andy KruczekExpect flaming hot performances from some of the north’s top talent.Credit: Rochdale Borough CouncilBack again for 2025 is ‘Drum Machine’. Credit: Supplied
Then there’ll be the Christmas lights switch-on taking place from 5.30pm on the Sunday, with Father Christmas and his special guests, including the Mayor of Rochdale.
Ignite is organised by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency in partnership with Culture Co-op, funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The festival is also supported by The Casey Group – the contractor responsible for the restoration of the Broadfield Slopes, who will have plant equipment at the event to inspire future careers in the construction industry and highlight opportunities available.
BRSK – the full fibre broadband provider is also supporting, and will have a presence at the festival.
Find out more about Ignite Fire Festival in Rochdale HERE.