Ex-rugby union and England international Phil Greening is opening a brand new elite training gym in Manchester city centre for those looking to take their fitness to the next level.
The former Gloucester, Wasps and Sale Sharks hooker was forced to retire back in 2005 due to injury but has been immersed in the world of coaching ever since, going on to coach the England 7s and US national teams among various other squads.
Now, fitness fanatics looking to ramp their training up a notch can take on the kind of programmes pro athletes and coaches run through every day at one of the most advanced training facilities you’ll find anywhere in Manchester.
Phil Greening’s new gym, The Athlete Factory Manchester, located on Quay Street in the city centre, promises elite training from the best of the best — if you can handle it, of course.
The Athlete Factory’s new Manchester gym, AF Urban (Credit: Supplied)
Branching out from its Chester HQ, AF Urban is the all-new elite training facility which promises over 100 years of combined team experience from some of the most high-performance coaches in the world and new standards not only in athletic-based personal training but sports performance equipment as well.
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Personally designed by the various elite coaches and manufactured exclusively for The Athlete Factory’s new Manc site, AF Urban (located just off Deansgate) provides its members with premium access to some of the most seasoned trainers anywhere in the UK.
Beyond the insights of Greening himself, coaches include Performance Director Paul Reed, who boasts numerous qualifications and more than 25 years of experience, as well as lead coach Stefan Gill, a fellow ex-pro, not to mention the Head of Sports Performance for the Manchester Giants basketball team.
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Oh, and he manages to squeeze in being a semi-pro boxer, so it’s no wonder the group has helped train the likes of Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett’ and more. Safe to say these lot won’t go easy on you.
Speaking in a press release, Greening said that “Manchester was a great, natural next step for us in terms of expansion. [It’s] is a vibrant, upcoming city and we are delighted to have put roots down here”.
Too right, Phil.
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He went on to add: “Our vision is to share our knowledge with everyone who is serious about their health, fitness or sport through world-class equipment, programming and coaching that is proven to get results. We can’t wait to get people through the doors and get training.”
And once you get through the doors, the new urban gym space is quite something.
The Athlete Factory’s ethos boils down to three core concepts: “Train, Build and Learn”. The idea is to give you the tools to go from a beginner to on the same level as the professional athletes and teams that the in-house coaches are accustomed to working with.
The new AF Urban elite training facility in The Annex Building, Quay Street, opens on 20 December, with taster sessions available from minute one. An unlimited access membership will set you back £190 for the month.
Classes will run from 06:30 to 18:45, Monday – Friday, with an extended, supplemental weekend schedule. You can see the full list of training and PT classes HERE and find out more information on their website.
Giant inflatable monsters descend on Manchester again next month for their BIGGEST celebration to date
Emily Sergeant
Halloween in the City returns next month with its biggest celebration ever to mark a decade of monster mayhem.
Organised by Manchester BID and sponsored by British confectionery maker, Swizzels, Halloween in the City will be back in Manchester city centre next month once the spooky season arrives – bringing a free weekend of family-friendly fun and spectacular street entertainment.
To mark a decade of monster mayhem, the two-day celebration will bring the city to life with walkabout performers, party games, live DJs, spooky storytelling, and a spectacular roaming procession.
There’s also set to be brand-new birthday bake off this year to celebrate the big 10, and everyone is invited to join the party
But, of course, at the heart of the celebrations will be giant inflatable monsters.
The MCR Monsters are back next month / Credit: CityCo & Manchester BID
The MCR Monsters have been a staple in Manchester’s Halloween celebrations for a decade now, and this year, they’re going all out across the city’s iconic buildings and landmarks.
Created by artists Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas, and brought to life by Designs in Air, the giant inflatable creatures will make their way into the city for their longest trail to date, celebrating eight days of monster mischief over October half term from Saturday 24 to Saturday 31 October.
Visitors can expect a city-wide monster invasion at locations – including Exchange Square, Manchester Arndale, Selfridges Exchange Square, Corn Exchange Manchester, Printworks, Science and Industry Museum, The Royal Exchange Manchester, Treehouse Hotel Manchester, AO Arena, KAMPUS, Mayfield Park, and Medlock Square.
It’s set to be the biggest celebrations to date to mark a decade of monster mayhem / Credit: Supplied
Then, the big Halloween in the City Weekender will take place on Saturday 24 October from 10am-6pm and Sunday 25 October from 10am-5pm.
Some of the activities on the Weekender lineup this year include a live storytelling performance by Z-Arts in Manchester Arndale, a big Monsters Disco over in Exchange Square, a Rave Yard with resident evil DJs in St Ann’s Square, the Swizzels Spooky Sweet Stop on New Cathedral Street – which is new for 2026 – and then the main event, The Monsters Party Procession.
Designed and created by Walk the Plank, The Monsters Party Procession will ‘bash, boogie, and stomp’ its way through Market Street and Manchester Arndale, so expect dancing monster puppets, towering stilt walkers, and a six-piece brass band suitably spooky soundtrack.
And, of course, no monster birthday would be complete without a Halloween dress-up, which everyone is encouraged to join in with.
Halloween in the City returns from Saturday 24 October, and you can find out everything happening over the eight-day period online here.
Featured Image – Supplied
Things To Do
A FREE shopping event dedicated to saving students money is returning to Manchester Arndale
Thomas Melia
One of the city centre’s most popular shopping events helping students save money is returning to Manchester Arndale and the city centre.
MCR Student Socialis heading back to the city with its big discounts, freebies, giveaways and plenty of entertainment to keep you busy while you browse.
This interactive shopping event encourages new and current students to wander roundManchester Arndaleand the surrounding streets while snapping up some seriously good deals.
Expect discounts of up to 50% off at 120 stores including big high street retailers like Champion, Søstrene Grene, Selfridges, Sephora, and Berghaus.
This incredible 50% off deal continues into some of Manchester Arndale’s big-name food vendors like Wingstop, Archie’s, Barburrito, Sides, HOP Vietnamese and more.
If you’re after carrying thatZara Larssonenergy into your next academic year, the Arndale’s Rhinestone Rodeo celebration includes a Charm Bar in Exchange Court, where you can turn photos into personalised charms.
No shopping trip is complete without a matcha in-hand and you can bag yourself a free hot or iced drink in Exchange Court at the Cult Beauty Matcha Station.
Look out for our Audio North truck on Market StreetThe Manchester Arndale MCR Student Social is back
There’s even the Arndale’s Party Tuk Tuk which will be roaming around the city-centre shopping complex blasting out hip-hop tunes and some of your song requests.
Just outside Manchester Arndale on Market Street, there’s plenty of activities split across three dedicated zones, like Food & Drink by familiar foodie faces like Franco Manca and Great British Doner.
The Party Zone will be buzzing as Footasylum, Museum of Illusions and Urban Playground all unite, while there’s plenty of giveaways over at the Info Zone with brands like Science + Industry Museum and RSPB.
And, our very ownAudio North x The Manc DJ Truck is soundtracking Market Street with student DJs playing out everything from dance and funk to classic party anthems.
MCR Student Social is taking place on Thursday 24 September at Manchester Arndale from 12pm to 7pm and you can find more information via its official websiteHERE.
Danny Jones -
14th December 2022 
