Manchester Museum has announced that it will reopen its doors to the public next year following a £15 million “transformation project”.
The iconic museum – which is part of the University of Manchester – first opened doors in 1890, and boasts a collection of about 4.5 million items from every continent, but for the past two years, it’s been working towards an exciting new development as part of a “ambitious and complex” project which will see the building transformed.
the hello future project – which won Project of the Year at the 2021 North-West Construction Awards – involves a two-storey extension, extensive reconfiguration of existing spaces, and several new galleries.
The transformation is intended to become “more inclusive, imaginative and caring to the diverse communities it serves”.
📣 ANNOUNCEMENT 📣 We're in the final phase of a £15million transformation & we have announced today that we will reopen in February 2023. Keep an eye on Twitter for exciting sneak peeks and stories from behind-the-scenes of the build…#1YearToGo#MMHelloFuturepic.twitter.com/QD6TaNO6iz
The new galleries forming part of the transformation will include a stunning Exhibition Hall, which will host the internationally successful ‘Golden Mummies of Egypt’, a new Belonging Gallery, the Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery, and a South Asia Gallery in partnership with the British Museum, which is the first-ever permanent exhibition space in the UK dedicated to exploring the stories, experiences, and contributions of South Asian communities.
If all of that didn’t sound brilliant enough as it is, the museum will also gain a new shop and café, and a range of inclusive facilities – including Changing Places toilets, a prayer space, a quiet room, therapy space, and picnic area.
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Accessibility and circulation are also being improved, with a new ramped entrance from Oxford Road leading to an object-filled Welcome Area.
The iconic museum is part of the University of Manchester, first opened doors in 1890, and boasts a collection of about 4.5 million items / Credit: Manchester MuseumThe transformation is intended to become “more inclusive, imaginative and caring to the diverse communities it serves” / Credit: Manchester Museum
Speaking ahead of the museum’s highly-anticipated reopening, Esme Ward – Director at Manchester Museum – said: “Despite the challenges we have faced during the pandemic, our team and partners have never lost faith in our vision for a reimagined Manchester Museum that is more caring, inclusive and imaginative.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our visitors and communities for their patience while we undergo this huge transformation.”
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The hello future project is supported using funding by Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The University of Manchester, and the generosity of numerous philanthropic supporters.
Manchester Museum will reopen to the public in February 2023.
Featured Image – Manchester Museum
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New CGIs released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre
Emily Sergeant
Some new CGIs have given us a sneak peak inside Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel soon to open in Wigan town centre.
In case this is the first you’re hearing of the development, Wigan Council announced back in March 2024 in collaboration with its development partner Cityheart that it had signed a franchise agreement with world-renowned hotel brand, Hilton, for a stunning six-storey Hampton by Hilton hotel pop up right in the heart of Wigan town centre, just off Market Street.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment of the former Galleries Shopping Centre – which was approved in July 2023.
The hotel will be located directly-opposite the bus station entrance of New Market Street, and is within 500 yards of both town centre train stations.
It’s being called ‘one of the most important elements’ of the Galleries masterplan.
New CGIs have been released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre / Credit: Supplied
As well as the 144 bedrooms – with ‘accessible’ rooms to be built on each accommodation level – the new hotel will also house a gym overlooking the new square, a main reception area and dining space on the ground floor, meeting and conference rooms, and secure parking will be available for guests.
Dozens of staff are expected to be employed at the new hotel – which the Council says will provide a range of job opportunities for local residents.
Once complete, the hotel will form part of the exciting new town centre neighbourhood providing a new Market Hall and food court, more than 400 homes, bars, restaurants, and leisure uses, all designed to celebrate Wigan’s proud heritage and unique identity.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment / Credit: Supplied
“It’s great to see the progress of this exciting Hampton by Hilton development, which not only plays a role in Wigan’s regeneration, but continues to strengthen our footprint in the North West,” commented Paul Blackmore, who is the Vice President of Development at Hilton UK & Ireland, as the CGIs were released this week.
“The ambition shown by Wigan Council and Cityheart to create a dynamic new hub for retail, leisure, business and living truly resonated with us, and we look forward to welcoming guests when the hotel opens in late 2027.”
Construction work will start on site in October 2025, with an expected opening of the new hotel in winter 2027.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Trafford Centre reveals Halloween events lineup with ‘nerve-shredding’ rides, creepy crafts, and more
Emily Sergeant
Spooky season is nearly upon us, and the Trafford Centre has now announced its lineup of Halloween activities to get stuck into.
With not long to go until schools across Greater Manchester break up for half term, and with Halloween within touching distance, the major shopping centre has revealed an exciting collection of events that’ll be happening over the next couple of weeks – and there’s activities for people of all ages.
From creepy crafts, to hair-raising rides and eerie evening entertainment, there’s something for every brave soul.
Back by popular demand from 25 October is the Halloween Fair, which will pop up outside The Great Hall featuring nerve-shredding rides, a spine-tingling atmosphere, carnival vibes, and loads more, right through until 2 November.
Brand new for 2025 is Fright Night at the fair, which is a truly immersive scare experience for daring teens and adults.
The Trafford Centre has revealed its Halloween events lineup for 2025 / Credit: Supplied
Fright Night will bring three evenings of pure horror from 30 October – 1 November, as creepy characters roam the fairground once the sun’s gone down.
For families wanting half term fun but looking for a gentler kind of magic, there’s a chance to join characters Wanda Web and Jack O’Lantern for some creepy crafts like relaxing pumpkin decorating, eerie face painting, and making your own witches and wizards hats to take home.
The legendary Big Wheel will also be returning for the festive season so you can ascend into the misty night sky high above the Trafford Centre for eerie nighttime views.
And to top it all off, Gandeys will be bringing back the fan-favourite ‘Spooktacular’ for 2025.
There’ll be ‘nerve-shredding’ rides, creepy crafts, and loads more to get involved with / Credit: Trafford Centre
“Halloween is one of the most exciting times of year for us at Trafford Centre, and this year’s lineup is bigger and better than ever,” commented Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at Trafford Centre.
“From spine-chilling rides and late-night scares to pumpkin painting for the little ones, we’ve created an experience that everyone can enjoy. We can’t wait to welcome families, friends and thrill-seekers alike for a Halloween celebration like no other.”
Emily Sergeant -
21st February 2022 
