Developers are gearing up ready to submit plans for a brand new £60 million outdoor surf centre in Trafford next month.
And it sounds like we could be in for a wild ride if it all becomes a reality.
If the ambitious plans are approved, Modern Surf Manchester – based on Barton Dock Road, in TraffordCity – would be a leisure complex housing the region’s first surf lagoon that enables beginners, learners and even professionals to test their surf skills in a fun, safe, and natural-looking environment.
The lagoon would be powered by Wavegarden – a company specialising in man-made wave technology that promises “perfect, ocean-like waves” of up to 8ft.
Wavegarden already powers similar attractions, such as Surf Snowdonia in Wales, and The Wave in Bristol.
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That’s not all either, as plans also show the complex boasting several other interactive attractions for visitors to have a crack at, including a pump track and fitness zone, half-pipe skateboarding area, bouldering and balancing zones.
A number of on-site bar and restaurant facilities are also planned.
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But before we can all grab our surfboards and hit the waves, the project’s developers – McKinney Group – are seeking Mancunians’ feedback on the plans via a virtual consultation, prior to submitting a full planning application to Trafford Council later this month.
In addition to that, two live discussion forums will also be hosted through the consultation website giving local people the chance to speak in real-time to the project team.
These will take place on 4th February at 1pm-5pm, and 11th February at 1pm-5pm.
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Wavegarden / Therme Group
Modern Surf Manchester could also complement the new £250 million Therme Manchester wellness resort that has already been approved nearby, which will feature indoor pools and warm water lagoons, a wave pool, slides, swim-up bars, botanical gardens and spa facilities.
So there’s lots to look forward to.
Speaking on the launch of the consultation, Billy McKinney – Managing Director of McKinney Group – said: “We are pleased to be investing into Trafford and adding to the unrivalled leisure offer available in TraffordCity.
“From the Trafford Centre, to Chill Factore, and the recently approved Therme water leisure complex, Modern Surf Manchester will be in perfect company and we look forward to attracting yet more visitors to this thriving area.
“We urge everyone interested in the plans to get in touch and share their views with us by visiting our virtual consultation.”
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Paul Shuker – Director at Lambert Smith Hampton, who is advising on the plans – added: “The concept of bringing surfing to Greater Manchester was considered during the dark days of the first lockdown, and it’s with great excitement that we could have a world-leading surf facility in the city-region that will become part of a wider ‘Wavegarden’ network across the planet and put Greater Manchester on the surfing circuit for local, national and international competitions.”
TraffordCity
Modern Surf Manchester is expected to open by 2023 if permission is granted, creating around 100 full-time equivalent jobs in the area.
Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’
Emily Sergeant
Call yourself a clever clogs? The BBC is currently looking for contestants to take part in what is widely considered the hardest quiz show on TV.
That’s right – Only Connect is back for another series on BBC Two.
Presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell and first broadcast all the way back in 2008, Only Connect takes TV quizzing to the next level, as it sees two teams compete against each other by finding connections between seemingly unrelated clues.
In this quiz show – which viewers have dubbed one of the most challenging there is – knowledge only takes you so far, as the ability to think laterally is also deemed ‘vitally important’.
A casting call for the upcoming 2027 series has been shared on the BBC website, with people from Greater Manchester encouraged to apply.
Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’ / Credit: BBC
The casting call reads: “The popular BBC Two quiz show presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell returns for a new series in 2027.
“Only Connect is seeking teams of three players OR single applicants or teams of two looking for like-minded teammates to pool their combined wits to solve fiendish conundrums and vexing puzzles.
“This is the quiz series where, as in life itself, knowledge will only take you so far: patience and lateral thinking are also vital. It’s all about making connections between things which may appear, at first glance, not to be connected at all.”
Reckon you’ve got what it takes then? Applications are now open, and all applicants must be aged 18 or over and a resident in the UK or Channel Islands.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands
Emily Sergeant
Students can get themselves up to 50% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.
With thousands of new and returning students starting to arrive for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month – and there’ll be loads of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.
Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Beans, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.
Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 25% off at Levi’s and Boux Avenue, 20% off at Gymshark, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, and 15% off at KIKO, Rituals, and Sephora.
It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too.
Alongside the offers, students can expect plenty of live entertainment and in-store experiences throughout the evening, including a DJ set and drinks at Calvin Klein, in-store fitness challenges and at Gymshark, an exclusive piercing event at Lovisa, and a Beauty Hub takeover at Sephora.
There’ll also be ‘spin-to-win’ opportunities at places like schuh, River Island, and YO! Sushi.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands / Credit: Supplied
“Student Night is one of the highlights of our autumn calendar, and we’re excited to welcome students for an evening of brilliant offers and feel-good experiences,” explained Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at the Trafford Centre.
“Whether they are updating their wardrobe, stocking up on beauty favourites, grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying the atmosphere with friends, there is plenty to discover across the centre.
“With simple transport links from Manchester city centre and across the region, Trafford Centre is the perfect place for a student night out.”
The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 1 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
3rd February 2021 
