Here’s a fact you probably weren’t expecting to read today – the scaffolding that’s been covering an office block on Newton Street is celebrating its 16th birthday.
Maybe ‘birthday’ isn’t really the right word, but that’s besides the point.
Whether you can believe it or not, the wrap-around scaffolding that was erected all the way back in 2005 to support a multi-storey building that houses office facilities on the corner of Newton Street and Piccadilly in the heart of the Northern Quarter, has now been a mainstay of the city centre for over 16 years.
Manchester is a city that is ever-changing, with more developments, construction works and improvements happening at any given time than we can usually count on one hand, so it’s fair to say that the sight of scaffolding isn’t uncommon.
But it’s hard for 16 years to go unnoticed.
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In this case, it is uncommon for scaffolding to still be standing well over a decade after its initial installation, so what’s going on here then?
Well surprisingly, given how long it’s been there, not a great deal is known about the nature of the scaffolding other than the fact it was installed by the building’s owners, Eastern Green Ltd, back in 2005 after being instructed to do so by Manchester City Council.
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Owners were told to install the scaffolding because the building was deemed to be unsafe and a threat to the public.
“The scaffold is ongoing and is providing stability to the building,” a spokesperson for the company confirmed in such few words to the MEN back in 2016.
Over its 16 year residency in the Northern Quarter, attempts to make the scaffolding part of the furniture have seen countless billboard advertisements of various sizes plastered over the side of the building, but instead of distracting from the issue, you could argue it makes the presence of the scaffolding more noticeable.
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That’s probably part of the reason why so many Mancunians have branded it an “eyesore”.
Luckily, it’s not set to be an eyesore for much longer though as it was confirmed back in November 2020 that a £27 million luxury four-star hotel backed by former Manchester United player and football megastar Cristiano Ronaldo has been given the go ahead to take over the site by city planners.
The 151-room hotel that will “further diversify Manchester’s vibrant hospitality and tourism offer” will be part of the CR7 brand when it opens in 2023, and the current “unsafe” building as it stands, will be demolished.
The 151-room hotel is due to open in 2023 / Credit: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios / Manchester City Council
Although work is yet to begin on the hotel’s construction, one thing we do know is that the scaffolding’s sweet 16th birthday could very well be its last.
It’s a stretch, but after all this time, maybe we’ll miss it when it’s gone?
Featured Image – Google Maps
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Watch the wholesome moment Jude Bellingham gives his jacket to a young mascot to keep him warm
Danny Jones
England supporters are already getting very excited to see Jude Bellingham in the starting 11 ahead of Euro 2024 but the midfielder is winning over even more fans after a clip of a wholesome moment between him and a young mascot went viral.
The Three Lions ended up drawing 2-2 in their second friendly of the international break against Belgium (losing 1-0 to Brazil in the previous game) with Bellingham scoring the equaliser in the final minute of stoppage time.
However, as much as the home fans are looking forward to the Real Madrid star rallying his teammates at the Euros this summer, it was this small but touching interaction with a young kid as the two sides lined up with their mascots just after the walkouts.
Seeing the rain falling and quickly checking in with the small boy sitting in the wheelchair below him, Bellingham rightly offered his pre-match jacket to the little lad to keep him warm.
The reaction online was just as heartwarming too, as countless people jumped on social media to leave comments like, “This is how you know he is Brum, what a nice fella”, “makes me proud to be English” and “Classy as ever from the 20-year-old”.
One person even went so far as to add: “Make this guy captain, wrap him in bubble wrap and take care of him. All youngsters should watch how he conducts himself, absolute professional.”
He wasn’t the only one either, as many eagle-eyed viewers also noted that Manchester City stars Phil Foden and John Stones also gave their jackets to the young mascots standing with him prior to the match. We really do have some lovely lads in this team, don’t we?
Absolutely class from Bellingham, Stones & Foden giving their jackets to the kid mascots as pissing down! 🦁🦁🦁👏🫶
Elsewhere, another Greater Mancunian player once again delighted those in the stands and watching back home as Kobbie Mainoo not only made his second appearance and first full start in an England shirt but also earned himself the man of the match award.
The Man United starlet was a late inclusion into Gareth Southgate’s provisional Euros squad, which is likely to change again before the tournament starts, but you won’t find many fans Reds or otherwise wanting him anywhere else other than in the starting lineup.
We’re starting to really like the look of this squad both on and off the pitch and one thing’s for sure, they aren’t just nice blokes – there’s plenty of talent amongst them to win something.
You can watch the highlights of England vs Belgium in full down below:
Indy Man Beer Con will not be returning in 2024 as beloved Manc beer festival ends after more than a decade
Danny Jones
In a gutting bit of news, Indy Man Beer Con have revealed that they will not be returning for 2024 and that last year’s edition of the beloved local festival was their final outing.
Coming to an end after more than a decade of delighting beer fans around Greater Manchester, the North West and the UK as a whole across what they have now looked back on as “10 incredible festivals”, the organisers of Indy Man Beer Con are bringing their successful run to an end.
Following the announcement on Monday, 25 March, founder Jonny Heyes – one of the brains behind Common, Nell’s and Port Street Beer House – said, “The last 12 years have been an amazing journey”.
The independent beer and brewery convention confirmed the news on social media, admitting that it was a “difficult decision” but that they worked with “some of the world’s best breweries” and are full of gratitude to everyone who came through the doors and helped make the festival so popular.
We have made the difficult decision that IMBC will not return for 2024. We’ve enjoyed 10 incredible festivals, working with some of the world’s best breweries. We want to say a HUGE thank you to all involved, and all who have come along to support independent craft beer with us. pic.twitter.com/NQwOWPTBp3
Indy Man Beer Con has sadly come to an end after 12 years.
As per Beer Today, Heyes added: “It’s been a huge privilege to witness the UK craft beer scene blossom in front of our eyes, to work with so many fantastic breweries, and witness their creativity, industry, and growth.
“I am humbled that lots of people have taken a great deal of joy and satisfaction from the little event that we’ve spent over a decade putting on. I am beyond chuffed that you chose to spend your time with us deep in the pool at the incredible Victoria Baths.”
The festival went on to note highlights from down the years and urged previous festival-goers to do the same in the comments, citing instances such as the year of the giant cheese wheels, the ‘Beer Trumps Hate’ foam fingers from 2017 and those extremely stubborn temporary tattoos from last year’s festival.
We’ve certainly created plenty of our own memories in our years attending the festival too, and if we had known 2023 was going to be the final one we certainly would’ve poured one out in its memory.
When the beer festival first started out.How far it’s come since then.Little did we know IMBC 2023 was to be the last. RIP. (Credit: Indy Man Beer Con (via IG/The Manc Eats)
Having made a home at the iconic Grade II-listed Victoria Baths in Chorlton-on-Medlock for four days every year, the Manchester beer festival truly was one of the most highly-anticipated events on the calendar and we’re are genuinely gutted to see it go.
Seeing the reaction from countless other fans online, it’s clear we’re by no means the only ones either.
From one group of fellow beer lovers to another, thanks for the memories and we sincerely hope to see Indy Man Beer Con make a glorious comeback one day.