The project is being delivered by the Viridis Consortium - a partnership consisting of GRAHAM The University of Manchester’s redevelopment plans for the Fallowfield Campus has reached an important milestone following the submission of a reserved matters planning application The project is being delivered by the Viridis Consortium – a partnership consisting of GRAHAM The application sets out detailed proposals relating to the appearance It builds on the outline planning permission granted in January 2024 The application will now be evaluated by Manchester City Council’s planning department A five-week consultation and engagement exercise was completed throughout December 2024 and early January 2025 to ensure the views of the local community informed the proposals Viridis Consortium’s ambitious redevelopment plans include the creation of 3,300 modern ancillary residential dwellings and greenspaces Five distinct neighbourhoods that celebrate local history and character and a central hub as an anchor and heart of the campus “This is an important milestone in realising our vision for the Fallowfield Campus The plans and proposals within the Reserved Matters Application reinforce our commitment to providing new and returning students with modern and will help us to meet the future needs of our student population.” The demolition of the Owens Park Tower and surrounding buildings is ongoing Enabling works are progressing in preparation for the main construction programme The phased handover of buildings will allow students to move into their new homes at different points from 2027 through to 2030 GRAHAM has led the planning process in collaboration with the University of Manchester “The planning submission is a further important milestone for the Fallowfield Campus project It is the culmination of months of challenging work and an intensive programme of engagement with the University We believe the submitted plans will create an exemplar sustainable campus that will enhance the experience of the University’s next generation of students.” Sustainable design and construction are embedded within the proposals The development will be one of the largest Passivhaus developments in the world – meaning the buildings will use less energy promote good indoor air quality and maintain comfortable temperatures year-round “Our designs are inspired by the site’s layers of history and its unique character providing high-quality student homes and amenities in a rich parkland setting The proposals rebuild the student community at Fallowfield and create a new generation of sustainable student homes.” Viridis Consortium’s development is also targeting BREEAM Excellent certification a further independent sustainability assessment The preservation of the mature landscape and enhanced green spaces are embedded within the plans “Equitix is committed to delivering best in class solutions with a core focus on sustainability The submitted plans demonstrate our commitment to sustainable development while providing a world-class living experience for the University of Manchester’s future students.” Please whitelist confidentials.com to continue to our site and enjoy an Ad-Light experience “That sense of a special time and place is something you take through your life,” reflected BBC journalist Ben Gallop on his year in Oak House from 1986-87 and Oak House were built on the University of Manchester’s Fallowfield Campus in 1964 and 1973 and have since gained an outsized reputation as Manchester’s - if not England’s - most iconic university halls.   Ben’s words echo a movement of elegiac reflections from current students and alumni following the announcement that Oak House and Owens Park will be demolished to make way for 3000 new student beds under the Fallowfield Residences Redevelopment Programme (FRRP) the subject of much social media attention Owens Park’s omnipresence on the otherwise largely towerless South Manchester skyline was a North Star for University of Manchester students guiding them back to the land of milk and honey and £3 pints.  That hedonism is a one off and you cherish it,” said Ben.  “It definitely had that party association then The Buzzcocks and The Smiths were at their peak when I went to uni it was already buzzing but I massively lucked out because the Madchester scene started the year I arrived in Manchester.” Ben describes Fallowfield and its student inhabitants as servants to Manchester’s cultural vibrance through the 80s: “I still revel in that All these years on I still look back to my years at university coinciding with the cultural rise of Manchester as so special We’d go to student nights at the Hacienda on a Tuesday If the Madchester scene was the beating heart of the city’s newfound creative dynamism pumping student after student into the coolest clubs But there was also a simple magic to Fallowfield: “I was there the year the McDonalds opened up Decades change but student desires stay the same.  Owens Park and Oak House have provided generations of students with enough anecdotal fodder to take on the world From Olivia I also gauge that their decrepit state allows rent-paying students access to an exclusive club those that have suffered at the hands of poor digs.  But for many it’s hard to overcome the dank conditions.  only 4,745 student beds were delivered citywide this leaves Manchester with a stark 2.5:1 student-to-bed ratio With few affordable PBSA options available the growing student population remains reliant on outdated university directed halls of residence like Oak House But Ruth was clear about where her judgements lay: “I’m not knocking students because going to uni is great and I can see they really enjoy Manchester But the estate agent that’s running the property next door They’re all just developers that don’t care” For too long Manchester tacitly benefitted from its cultural vibrance drawing students in their hundreds of thousands without fully considering the impact on housing and social cohesion This is vividly portrayed through the homogeneity of Fallowfield’s high street - there’s only so much burger consuming and vaping a local economy can take But many permanent residents, and indeed local councillors who deferred last January’s plans for an earlier demolition are concerned that while 3000 new and improved student bedrooms will alleviate Manchester’s student bed shortage it will also worsen social issues in Fallowfield.  Student-heavy areas don’t have to perform the way Fallowfield currently is Manchester is a jewel in Britain’s sparkling higher education crown one of our few globally competitive industries and the FRRP is the first outcome of a legislative shift that will enable Manchester’s annual influx of upwardly mobile students to better integrate into existing communities.  Get the latest food & drink news and exclusive offers by email by signing up to our mailing list This is one of the ways that Confidentials remains free to our readers and by signing up you help support our high quality exclusives and offers by joining the Manchester Confidential WhatsApp group Hotel has become a standout in the city since opening just over a year ago Your bumper briefing of news and what to look out for Lily Wallen asks if the canalside clubbing destination has lost its allure David Adamson reports back from goingson in the city and beyond Where does one go for a house dinner when Kej’s is closed It’s 8:30pm on a Friday night and my housemates and I are shivering in in an alleyway in Withington at the back of the queue for The Vic to see DJ Billy It is far too cold to be in what is rather too small of a top and I am bouncing up and down to trick my body into thinking I am already inside and perhaps blaming it on the boogie instead of watching rain fall onto my shoes One of my friends spots a group of bedraggled girls “finding” their friends ahead of us in the queue and pushing in but are momentarily distracted by the retro Americana pizza hatch beside us telling us a pizza should be made in the following order: dough then sauce – alarming intel for Italians reassuring intel for the queue jumpers who have avoided confrontation A sufficiently intimidating huddle of final years now find themselves distracted debating the veracity of the pizza hatch’s claim instead “We’ve all had our dinner already!” we stomp and grumble but resolve to return the following day to sample the inventions from this pizza place which did not exist when we were queuing for DJ Billy last year you’re asking freshers at the bus stop if they remember Kej’s the world keeps moving and I am just trying to keep up The aforementioned Doughclub is only open 4pm-10pm so I twiddled my thumbs for a few hours headed down for a late lunch and purchased a slice of Pesto Patch and a well-sized slice (shared to justify the price) and to have another slice would be hedonistic Students in the daytime are averse to paying £13 for a slice of pizza and the only students who would pay the price are forced to find their post-club grease elsewhere Families don’t want individual slices of pizza Sauce last and a square slice could be off-putting to those who prefer stability perhaps – but if your grandmother has given you £14 pocket money and told you not to spend it all at once well perhaps then you can honour her by spending £13 on a delicious slice of pizza and you’ll still have £1 left over for two whole frozen ones from Sainsbury’s Once a girl told me this bakery did the best croissants outside of France and I believed her because she had I had not and so felt I was poorly positioned to argue I’d say I’ve had only the most provincial exposure to croissants in my life: I have tried both the café kind and the supermarket kind I found the croissants from La Chouquette to be the best I’ve ever eaten and they didn’t even need to be accidentally sat on just around the corner from their Didsbury bakery I visited and purchased both a sandwich (caprese pesto) and a pastry (croissant) for scientific purposes – exquisite not a fan of the prices and so will not be returning or affording a flight to France probably ever now The Mexican finds itself in a location which does it precisely zero favours Only the midnight crowds are drawn to Fallowfield’s corridor of chicken shops I settled on a Camote burrito (£12.50) – tasty I was feeling quite downhearted about the price of the food but then I spotted Trivial Pursuit amongst the available board games stacked in the corner This felt redemptory and was an excellent find for a lady like myself who rejecting the opportunity to attend lectures Sometime over summer Carrot Cafe opened up right next to the Burton Road tram stop and I have run past it in the mornings and eyed up the bakes with gluttonous eyes The atmosphere outside the cafe is charming – I’m not sure who decided the West Didsbury of late was an arondissement of Paris but it’s a vibe I am very much enjoying jogged back with it in hand and knocked on the house door hiding my key behind the cake and panting extra loud it took less than a minute and a half to eat (not sure £4 for such a fleeting indulgence is worth it) but I still trotted off to my 11am with a spring in my step Kyotoya is an anomaly on this list for it was founded many moons ago and my housemates laughed and pointed at me when I said I hadn’t been and thought we ought to try it out At first I thought this unusually cruel-natured of them but when I sat down to eat and was presented with a big bowl of yaki udon which proved to be scrumptious family-run restaurant which feels intimate and Japanese despite the fact the logo of Hollywood Burgers and Shakes is projected in a spinning hologram onto the pavement just outside but the meal set me back just £7.50 so it feels silly to complain when I left feeling full and with the sense my food hunt had come to a financially sound close • I guessed the star sign of every Manchester based bus service for no real reason • We checked out Bastille’s insane Candlelight gig at Manchester Cathedral • A definitive list of the top 10 Manchester guys to avoid on Hinge Win £20 to spend at some of the UK's biggest retailers We’ve got some tough competitors this year Everything you need to know about the current Downs debate People start work on the seating plan in December? some of them can’t read because where was the tailoring? Trust us – this is one for the calendar The real reason they didn’t take part is much deeper than what we saw on the show and making sure everyone around me knows I like to run I imagine the bragging is where most of my enjoyment comes from not the hard labour of putting one foot in front of the other for an hour and a half I started running with the Couch to 5k app and have since influenced multiple (perhaps two) of my friends to sign up to it In return for their newfound basic level of stamina they’ve tolerated the frequency with which I bring up interval runs (walking between each km) and carb loading (eating toast right before bedtime) and my ability left me limited to Platt Fields based routes and maybe even the occasional venture across to Birchfields Park Final year has brought me to Withington and there are several pavements in this area and I intend to run along every single one of them in the sense that it was clearly designed by someone who had never set foot in a park Running this route means taking the pavement round the outside because the paths within the park don’t go round the edges and are impossible to run along without dodging youths doing wheelies and children being arrested The circumference of the road around Old Moat is 600m so a mere 35 laps and you’ve done a half marathon I clicked my heels and jumped for joy the day I got lost on my walk home and discovered the Fallowfield Loop it’s mud-based: I’m sure some people would call it charming and earthy but I call it not great for personal bests if you are looking for a surface easy on the knees and a nice change of scenery the Fallowfield Loop is a lovely slice of nature between Chorlton and Levenshulme Alexandra Park’s route is flat and the paths are wide enough for overtaking the fools who’ve shown up with prams and dogs It’s a bit out of the way: The nearest 111 stop is a 15 minute walk (or 13 minute run) away from the start line unfamiliar enough to feel vaguely adventurous and the final stretch to the finish line is a straight sprint Platt Fields is big enough for you to accumulate some distance without being bored out of your mind variety is the spice of life and running on three different types of terrain – path and kilometre-long puddle – certainly constitutes variety Every Saturday the park is home to the second best Park Run in Manchester with 300 people marching through the mud and a guaranteed 10 per cent off at Haus afterwards Fletcher Moss follows as the worst Park Run in Manchester You expect to run around a beautiful botanical garden but instead end up running laps around two nondescript fields shoulder to shoulder with young professionals doing corporate bonding before brunch This is the kind of route I like: Meandering unencumbered by the threat of bumping into course mates it ends with the promise of an £8 croissant in West Didsbury Running here means discovering a new side to the city and people will assume you mean Chorlton Water Park You can correct them and feel like you are the most well-travelled individual in all of Fallowfield perhaps even the greater metropolitan area Crossing Princess Road is both a logistical necessity and a blessed excuse to stop for a breather Once you reach the park you’re met with a downhill slope clear paths and a perfect one-kilometre loop of the lake the river path back to Fletcher Moss is rocky but it has a certain Wind in the Willows charm about it (if you imagine Ratty and Mole boating along to the bucolic hum of the M60) flat loop – fairly uninspiring but functional – and somehow positioned exactly one kilometre away from every single house in South Manchester which is arguably the highest compliment one can pay a running route Great if you want to zone out and accidentally run all the way to the Engineering building The Viridis redevelopment will create modern purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) on the University of Manchester’s Fallowfield campus Equitix and Derwent FM has been selected as preferred bidder and delivery partner for the redevelopment of the University of Manchester’s Fallowfield Campus redevelopment under a Design This selection followed a competitive tendering process and represents an important step towards a significant upgrade of the University’s student accommodation offering The Viridis advisors were Sheppard Robson (design) “We are delighted to have reached another key milestone in the progression of our plans for the Fallowfield Campus Redevelopment with the selection of Viridis as preferred bidder and our delivery partner there remains a lot of work to do in order to reach financial close on this exciting programme by summer 2025.” The University and Viridis consortium will now work together to further develop its DBFO delivery plans with the aim of reaching financial close by summer 2025 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) on the Fallowfield campus It forms part of a phased redevelopment to increase the supply of modern bedrooms and student socialising spaces to provide a supportive residential experience these plans show our commitment to providing our new and returning students with modern This much needed update to one of our most popular student campuses will help us to continue to meet the needs of our student population by delivering well-connected modern accommodation in a supportive and inclusive environment.“As we progress we will continue to work with our Fallowfield neighbours and local neighbourhood managers so that both our students and the surrounding community can benefit as much as possible from the redevelopment project.” The University of Manchester’s proposal to redevelop the Fallowfield Campus to provide PBSA was approved by Manchester City Council Planning and Highways Committee in January 2024 The approved plans encompass the redevelopment of Owens Park Oak House and Woolton Hall to meet the demand for student bedrooms in inclusive “GRAHAM is delighted to be working in partnership with the University of Manchester to deliver its vision for the Fallowfield Residences Redevelopment Programme we will focus on creating an exemplar sustainable campus that will enhance the experience of the University’s next generation of students.” “Delighted that an Equitix consortium has been selected to support the University of Manchester in its next stage of growth and development to provide a world-class student living experience This is further testament to the proven capabilities and commitment to UK greenfield infrastructure as well as supporting British supply chain partners This win was achieved through our relentless focus on building trust and long-lasting relationships as well as providing best in class solutions with core focus on sustainability and value for money.” Located near the University’s main buildings the site is well-connected and provides students with a wide range of support services to ensure a world-class student experience the wider Fallowfield campus will offer up to 5,400 student beds by replacing the existing older accommodation on-site and delivering 3,300 updated bedrooms to meet the growing demand for high-quality The redevelopment will be delivered in multiple phases Demolition of Owens Park Tower and surrounding buildings is ongoing and due to complete early in 2025 “SFG is delighted that the The University of Manchester has reached this important milestone in its journey to transform the student village at Fallowfield as part of its Residences Redevelopment Programme We are proud to have supported the University on its strategy and led the process of selecting a long-term student housing partner It’s the biggest project in the sector and exceptional in its ambitions around student experience and sustainability We’re looking forward to working with all parties on the next stage.” Please select a story from the list of current news stories Fallowfield Fire Company responded to a fire at a vacant nursing home at 7:50 p.m Saturday along the 1000 block of Fourth Street Extension Charleroi and Carroll Township were also at the scene Plans for new accomodation on First Street are set to receive approval Developments by Vita Student for a new multi-storey student block are set to receive planning permission from Manchester City Council this week located on First Street in the centre of town 15 per cent are said to be available at affordable rates The MEN reports that this development signifies a trend in Manchester students migrating from the south of the region with a 46 per cent increase in students in the centre between 2016 and 2022 told the publication that the so-called exodus has prompted the council to “manage a pipeline of student accommodation” in the city The majority of universities base their campuses around towards the Oxford Road Corridor with Gavin White stating that “more students are choosing to live closer to their studies and the lure of city centre living.” “It is the role of the council to make sure that Manchester can react and adapt to different housing trends – and we are actively managing a pipeline of student accommodation schemes that have sufficient supply in the right locations to meet demand “Purpose built Student Accommodation also provides a good alternative to mainstream city centre housing helping to free up homes for our general population Council tax from these homes can then also be received helping to fund the city’s essential services.” Though the development connotes a move from popular student areas in Fallowfield and Withington a spokesperson for University of Manchester told the MEN that around “43 per cent of applicants in 2021/22” chose Fallowfield based accommodations “as their first preference.” Both the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan have proposed and began works on enhancing their accommodation offering, with UOM redeveloping their former Owen’s Park site in the heart of Fallowfield The famed list showcases influential young leaders in Europe Here’s all the action from the ceremony Oak House and Squirrels Bar are also set to be demolished New student accommodation in Fallowfield could cost as much as £235 per week as revealed by a senior university employee the Director of Residential and Sport Services at The University of Manchester revealed the price of rooms in the new Fallowfield Redevelopment Held on December 2nd the meeting also informed students that Oak House and Squirrels Bar will be demolished when this years cohort move out The plans estimate 3,300 bed spaces for students and an additional 55 for staff Explaining more about the redevelopment of the current Fallowfield campus and consult on the future project the meeting served as a chance for students to ask questions about the redevelopment One student attending the meeting voiced concerns about rising prices asking: “One of the things that hasn’t really been covered so far is rent prices and what would that mean for students Because I think that affordability is basically the key issue for students… and we’ve had half an hour and not a single mention of it.” The Director of Residential and Sport Services at The University of Manchester explained that affordability was an issue in the redevelopment She said: “You cannot build for the NUS definition of affordability… and we cannot even refurbish at that kind of level.” In a statement to The Manchester Tab from The University of Manchester a spokesperson said: “The University of Manchester is committed to providing a diverse range of accommodation and rents across the residential portfolio There is an established and wide-ranging ladder of rents – including significantly cheaper older ensuite accommodation – and 1,245 non-ensuite bedrooms at Whitworth Park “We are also introducing a new accommodation bursary for 2025 – £2,000 will be made available for 100 low income/vulnerable applicants each year identified through established means testing protocols To ensure reasonable and competitive rents the University benchmarks annually against both comparable UK universities and local private sector PBSA offers (purpose-built student accommodation) We are also working closely with Manchester City Council and other local HE institutions to influence the approach to affordability in new build PBSA in Manchester.” About  Advertise  Contact Over the last decade, Manchester has embraced the power of public art, from the ever-evolving street art in the Northern Quarter to the recent artistic revitalisation of Withington with Withington walls Now, Fallowfield Brow, an often overlooked section of South Manchester, is about to receive its splash of colour and history with a mural dedicated to Rosa Grindon an unsung suffragist and Shakespearian scholar is set to be completed by early November on the gable end of Albion Road right at the entrance to Platt Fields Park This piece will not only brighten the neighbourhood but also commemorate one of Manchester’s lesser-known yet significant historical figures Rosa Grindon might not be a household name in Manchester like Emmeline Pankhurst but her contributions were vital to both the suffrage movement and Manchester’s cultural life she spent her life advocating for women’s rights she is equally remembered for her scholarly passion for Shakespeare Grindon spearheaded the creation of the Shakespearian Gardens in Platt Fields Park to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death The gardens showcase her dedication to education and beauty in public spaces and her memory is deeply connected to that small oasis in the park While the Pankhursts have statues and institutions named in their honour Rosa Grindon’s legacy has largely faded into the background with its striking design and historical resonance giving Grindon the recognition she deserves has made waves in Manchester’s street art scene You can check out Ethan’s Instagram by clicking here was the first of two gable-end murals in the Fallowfield area and cemented his reputation as a talented and accessible artist Ethan’s style perfectly complements the subject of Rosa Grindon His mastery in capturing the depth of human emotion and the realism of his subjects makes him the perfect choice for bringing this forgotten figure back to life His work often highlights historical and cultural figures a long-time resident of Fallowfield Brow and one of the key figures in organising the mural explained how his involvement began: “I first met Ethan in January 2023 when he was working on another mural nearby “I suggested there were other walls around that could use a bit of life and we ended up surveying six potential gable ends for future projects That’s how this mural of Rosa Grindon came to be.” Situated near the entrance to Platt Fields Park the mural is positioned in a prime location that will capture the attention of locals and visitors alike “This area has often been overlooked we’re bringing some much-needed colour and history back into the community.” The inspiration for the design came from Grindon’s connection to the nearby Shakespearian Gardens which were lovingly restored by Kattie Kincaid and her team of volunteers in recent years The gardens received a “Level 5 – Outstanding” award from the North West in Bloom competition and are now part of the National Garden Scheme the mural ties these two key aspects of Grindon’s life together: her fight for women’s rights and her contribution to Manchester’s cultural heritage The mural will feature Grindon’s portrait surrounded by floral motifs in the suffragette colours of purple paying homage to both her activism and her connection to the Shakespearian Gardens Lemon has also incorporated a QR code into the mural design it will direct viewers to a dedicated webpage providing more information about Rosa Grindon and the mural The mural is largely the result of the persistence and dedication of local residents like Nick and artist Ethan “Ethan funded the first two murals in the area out of his own pocket,” Roberts explained “and the landlords weren’t contributing financially The turning point came when the local neighbourhood officer alerted them to the availability of Manchester’s Neighbourhood Improvement Fund they pulled together a proposal centred around Ethan’s stunning design for the mural they were thrilled to hear that their application had been approved often forgotten enclave of South Manchester is made up of seven streets and is best known for its proximity to the bustling student population of Fallowfield beyond the student digs and littered pavements it is a neighbourhood with deep historical roots The streets of Fallowfield Brow—Landcross Road and this mural is just one part of a broader effort to rejuvenate the area “We want to show that this neighbourhood is more than just a student area plagued by graffiti a way to show people that Fallowfield Brow has a vibrant positive community spirit and a deep history worth celebrating.” Public art has a way of transforming spaces and the Rosa Grindon mural will do just that the mural serves as a reminder of the impact of forgotten figures like Grindon and the importance of community-led projects in reshaping our neighbourhoods It also serves as a beacon of hope for the area and perhaps even inspiring future generations to learn more about the rich history of Manchester “It’s more than just a mural—it’s a statement that we are a community And as the final brushstrokes are added to the mural at the end of October Rosa Grindon’s legacy will once again be front and centre in the city she worked so hard to improve Did we miss something? Let us know: [email protected] Want to be the first to receive all the latest news stories, what’s on and events from the heart of Manchester? Sign up here I Love Manchester helps raise awareness and funds to help improve the lives and prospects of people across Greater Manchester – and we can’t do it without your help So please support us with what you can so we can continue to spread the love Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest news stories delivered direct to your inbox What’s the story? We are all ears when it comes to positive news and inspiring stories. You can send story ideas to [email protected] While we can’t guarantee to publish everything we will always consider any enquiry or idea that promotes: For anything else, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us about advertorials (from £350+VAT) and advertising opportunities: [email protected] For the love of Manchester, don’t miss out on events and what’s new across the city region. Subscribe to our newsletter now We respect your privacy Have your visit to the website make a difference in Greater Manchester… The I Love MCR Foundation raises vital funds to help improve the lives and prospects of people across Greater Manchester – and we can’t do it without your help The official I Love MCR Shop not only spreads Manchester love across the world but it also helps keeps the lights on so we can support the city region Taking on a challenge? Why not fundraise for our Foundation. We’ll even throw in some merchandise to wear Raising funds for great causes is priceless Advertise online to reach millions of inspired people who are subscribed engaged and use our channels on a daily basis Regional out-of-home media makes advertising on digital billboard screens across Greater Manchester affordable Join the mobile Manchester community… iPhone Android DiscoverNews StoriesShopSubscribe Licensing Information Terms and ConditionsPrivacy PolicyMake An Editorial Complaint Charity FoundationDonateFundraise AdvertiseOut-of-Home MediaAdd a ListingAdvertising Terms and Conditions Environmental PolicyEthical PolicyPrinting MethodDelivery InformationFAQs Copyright © 2009 – 2024 I Love MCR® All Rights Reserved About  Advertise  Contact I’ve spent the money so you don’t have to I will always choose a cheesy chip over a regular one fills and satisfies me far more than a plain one ever could I’ve decided to review some of Manchester’s finest in reverse order (it goes without saying that every single one of these tastes better when under the influence of alcohol.) it’s only right I review a couple Withington spots I first tried the cheesy chips from Dragon Burger Box a few weeks ago and didn’t know what to expect – I felt like I was betraying my Fallowfield roots I appreciated the generous amount they added but the cheese was nowhere to be found under all that sauce It didn’t help that there wasn’t much cheese to begin with the portion size is considerably smaller than all of the other places so I’m not sure it’s even worth saving the extra pennies but Allen’s takes the prize for the best actual chips But does it win the prize for best cheesy chips The issue with Allens is that it lacks the special something which means you miss that truly satisfying drizzle of ketchup or garlic mayo which I will be awarding bonus points for the oddly satisfying bright red fork stuck into the polystyrene chip box There have also been times where the cheese meltage on an Allens chip is sub-par The picture above might not support this statement since the cheese is perfectly melted and distributed over all the chips there’s nothing worse than when it looks like someone has just sprinkled on a handful of cold When I first discovered Abdul’s towards the beginning of last year I immediately declared it my new favourite chip spot I’m sure this had absolutely nothing to do with the fact I had just consumed far too many drinks in 256 I was growing bored of the occasionally plain Allen’s When I was asked the question of what sauce I wanted on my chips (for free!) I was overwhelmed Never had I been asked this question before this was one of the best decisions I have made Abdul’s remained my favourite for a long time I once made the poor decision of sampling a portion sober Since then I have been more cautious around an Abdul’s chip but I will forever appreciate its commitment to sauce I strumbled across this Withington spot very recently and let me tell you – I was very impressed but it also gave me peri salt and garlic mayo I believe this is the only place that offers both which is why I have crowned it the runner up in the chip competition While the cheese distribution could use some improvement the chip quality and generous amount of sauce more than made up for it I will always have a soft spot for Chesters partly due to the fact it was the first ever cheesy chip shop I visited in Manchester but there have been times where I think they are too crispy but I do think there is such a thing as an overly crispy chip I recommend spending the extra money on the Chester’s curly fries which are unbeatable Chesters wins every time – always perfectly melted and distributed But what truly makes Chesters our winner is the peri salt Words cannot describe the feeling when I first tasted it: It is the special something to top all special somethings I have tried and failed to re-create their recipe myself leaving me wondering what is in the salt to make it taste quite so delicious there you have it – the ultimate ranking of Manchester’s cheesy chips hopefully you now know where you’ll be headed after your next night out • Just in time for Halloween: Here are 10 spooky stories from around Manchester • Words of wisdom for the Manchester student (as told through nightclub toilet graffiti) • Freshers’ Week in Manchester: Reflections from a first and second year GoGo Penguin have laid out plans for their seventh studio album The Manchester experimental trio will release 'Necessary Fictions' on June 20 following up 2023's 'Everything is Going To Be OK' they said: "'Necessary Fictions' is about shedding the mask and showing who we truly are — as people the band have shared the record's melancholic first single which expands on their signature blend of acoustic instruments and electronic elements but also rhythm and momentum — a sense of moving forward The title is a nod to a hidden greenway near where we live in South Manchester — an old railway line turned peaceful urban escape." Head below to view the track's accompanying video, directed by the band's Chris Illingworth and Nick Blacka Sign our campaign for a grant funding review Viridis Living was appointed as preferred bidder for the scheme in July and Derwent FM has submitted reserved matters plans to redevelop the Owens Park campus in Fallowfield The £400m project will see much of the University of Manchester’s 23-acre student complex off Wilmslow Road demolished and replaced with buildings of five to 15 storeys that will provide 3,300 homes overall This is an increase of around 1,000 bedspaces net The scheme will also feature around 50,000 sq ft of space dedicated to pastoral care and student wellbeing A central hub building will provide student amenities Outline permission for the project is already in place and the consortium has retained architect Sheppard Robson as it pushes towards a start on site The submission of a reserved matters application comes after the Equitix-led consortium secured the £400m job last July and Steven Levrant Heritage Architecture are also advising Learn more by searching for reference number 142387/MO/2025 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal It is not only the University of Manchester planning a significant overhaul of some its student accommodation. Earlier this year, Manchester Metropolitan University, in partnership with Unite, announced plans to drastically increase the density of its All Saints campus.  The project will see the number of beds on site increase from 770 to more than 2,300 Read our comments policy Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" I’m glad to see the redevelopment of parts of the campus (looking at you Oak House!) that are unfit for purpose Also great to hear the numbers of rooms provided will increase Can’t continue having students living as far as Liverpool or Huddersfield and the design suits the character of the campus Really not a fan of the 9-15 storey central blocks though No problem with high-density living for students but many studies show students don’t feel as comfortable in high-rises due to feelings of isolation often compounded by the lack of interaction with ground level visibility (Here’s the planning student in me coming out!) 5-6 storey blocks (but more of them to compensate for height) would seem more appropriate The race is on to implement the planning permission for the 15-floor Store Street scheme before it expires later this year Having withdrawn earlier plans for 115 homes on a seven-acre former ironworks of Crabtree Lane the housebuilder has lodged fresh proposals for 194 houses and apartments Register for free North West property intelligence Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" Join more than 13,000 property professionals and sign up to receive your free daily round-up of built environment news direct to your inbox By subscribing, you are agreeing to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value" A tour of Fallowfield’s finest without breaking the bank Welcome to the Fallowfield pub crawl – the ultimate survival guide for those whose bank accounts are still recovering from Christmas but still refuse to miss a night out We’ve done the legwork (AKA drank a lot) to bring you the ultimate budget-friendly pub crawl Our guide includes a couple of different drink options but you can hit up all eight spots for under £20—Who’d have thought it possible in this economy There’s no better way to kick off the crawl than with the legendary four Jäger shots for a fiver grab a pint of Fosters for £2.40 or a double vodka mixer for £3.50 Squirrels is the perfect warm-up spot to ease into the night a quirky spot with vinyl sessions from 7-9pm and happy hour until 8:15 pm Grab a house lager or cider for just £2.50 or treat yourself to two cocktails for £8.50 Two doubles for £9.50 or three shots for £8 should do the trick with two pilsners and ciders going for just £8 and two doubles for £9 With its laid-back atmosphere and regular events Haus is the perfect midpoint to split a deal with a friend during your crawl and it’s time for a proper pint at Studio to make use of its outdoor seating and pool table No Fallowfield pub crawl is complete without a visit to 256 where cheap drinks meet chart hits you’ll wonder why you don’t do this every week (spoiler: It’s because your liver can’t hack it) it’s time for a detour to everyone’s favourite budget beacon: Wetherspoons Great Central serves up classic cheap drinks like Carling for £2.63 and Strongbow for £2.25 For those wanting their pennies to stretch a bit further the three for £5.90 deal on bottles/shots might just be your new best friend and there’s always a couple of blokes loudly debating football in the corner to set the mood you’re probably questioning how much of your £20 you’ve spent and whether you can still make it to the end end your journey at Nest for their pre-9pm deals Two pints of pilsner or cider for £6 will keep the beer drinkers happy while spirit lovers can grab two doubles for £8 celebrate your stamina with three Baby Guinness for £8 or Jaegers for £9 and now it’s time to wobble home like the budget-conscious legend you are it’s a rainy Sunday and you’re deathly hungover your Freshers’ Flu still hasn’t gone away and you’re fed up with eating pesto pasta and garlic bread for tea Why not treat yourself to one of the nation’s favourite meals We’ve investigated to find the best local spots to satisfy your Sunday cravings the ones where your precious pounds will stretch the furthest There’s no doubt you’ve walked past Kro Bar a million times whilst on campus Kro Bar offers great deals on food and has a fairly cheap menu – its roast is no exception at just £10.95 that’s £7.50 per roast if you go with a friend regardless of which student accommodation you’re in You already spend every night of the week there so why not your Sundays too 256 calls itself the provider of “Fallowfield’s best Sunday roast” and Its nut roast (as pictured above) will cost you just £8.80 Or £9 for your standard beef or chicken roast 256 is an easy spot to get to for your roast dinner fix if you are planning a trip to 256 this Sunday you might want to go earlier rather than later as it is prone to running low on essential roast elements (potatoes and Yorkshire puddings) you’d be better off spending a few pounds more and heading elsewhere If you fancy a peek at their roast dinner, check out its Instagram page though I can’t promise it looks as good in real life… The Met is a firm favourite for a Sunday Roast the pub offers a variety of roast dinners ranging from £15.50 to £18.50 Although that may exceed your student budget The Met offers something our other contenders do not: Unlimited top-ups on roast potatoes And they’re actually delicious – no soggy The Met is the place to be with generous servings Their staff are consistently attentive to your needs and express no judgement when they deliver your fourth round of spuds or your fifth Yorkshire pudding or stretch your legs and walk for around 30 minutes or so from Fallowfield to burn off those extra rounds of spuds Located even closer to Fallowfield than The Metropolitan is The Red Lion on Wilmslow Road Though their roasts are similarly priced to The Met (with the veggie one being 55 pence cheaper!) their menu selection is significantly less abundant than other Sunday roast spots it doesn’t have the same “wow” factor as The Met and you will surely leave The Red Lion with a full belly especially since their online menu boasts unlimited Yorkshire puddings In case you’ve never noticed it on the bus onto campus Turing Tap is a cosy pub opposite Whitworth Park halls it offers a variety of food and drink deals throughout the week and often plays live sports on its TV screens It offers an ample Sunday Roast with (most of) the trimmings and offers extra sides for an additional price one time I went with a friend and the cauliflower cheese had very suspicious looking slice of American cheese on top I can’t confirm if this remains to be the case for those of you on city campus accommodation or who are peckish at the library before a Monday deadline Turing Tap could be a great roast spot within close range Most expensive Sunday roast: The Metropolitan • The grand return to Manchester after a year abroad: The good, the bad and the ugly • The ultimate 2024 costume hot list: How to dress for Fallow-een this year • Rock in Manchester: The 7 best gigs to see on a student budget this semester which houses the campus’s catering and facilities management functions needs to be moved ahead of the £400m redevelopment of the Owens Park complex The University of Manchester has lodged plans for a 20,000 sq ft service building that will provide a new home for the departments described as a “critical infrastructure component for the campus’ operations” The reprovided facility will occupy 1.3 acres of the Richmond Park car park The Limes building is in line to be demolished as part of plans to redevelop the site and deliver 3,300 new student bedspaces – a 900-unit increase on the current provision Buttress Architects is leading on design and Turley is advising on planning Hydrock now Stantec and RLB are also advising search for reference number 141536/FO/2024 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal and Derwent FM was been selected as the preferred bidder for the redevelopment of the Owens Park campus in Fallowfield earlier this year And they are going to build it at the bottom of my garden Very unhappy with this decision when you consider all of the other places on site they could have built it Redshaw – if they didn’t build it at the bottom of your garden they’d have built it at the bottom of someone else’s garden instead The Manchester Tab has put together a list of Manchester predictions for the new university year It’s out with the old and in with the new for Fallowfield the institution that is Squirrels is closing down following the demolition of Oak House in Fallowfield campus distraught) as I am to have to say farewell to those Green Monsters; the drink that is But not to worry because when one door closes The new addition to the Fallowfield strip boats a karaoke night and a good location between McDonalds and Abduls for the afters Maybe 2025 is the year that Manchester students include a sing-along on their nights out January 2025 saw the launch of the Bee Network in Fallowfield and across Greater Manchester with bright yellow buses going up and down the Oxford Road corridor even if it does take three working days for the QR code/bus pass to scan the sky is the limit now for the colour yellow in Manchester It is no secret that Fallowfield Fashion usually means low-rise baggy jeans with some loud obnoxious pattern on the back (Ed Hardy and Evisu I that 2025 will see the resurgence of the 2010s Joni jeans in Fallowfield The consensus is that as a Manchester student you have to indulge in the Fallowfield student lifestyle I think it’s time students move to pastures new calm alternative that is actually walking distance to uni campuses so no need for the 30 minute trek on the bus (despite my earlier praises) living in Victoria Park would actually mean that students could start to make their 9am lectures This goes for first years too; rumour has it Canterbury Court and Hulme Hall are now the places to be With new government legislation on vapes being banned it is probably best you find a new alternative to feed your nicotine desires I know nothing will hit quite as hard as a neon flavoured highlighter but alas Cigarettes are too Y2K for my liking and the health risks are also a contributing factor i guess They fulfil the nicotine criteria whilst also making you look like an old-money wealthy Tory (but this is Fallowfield so it’s arguably quite fitting) Manchester might have The Warehouse Project Amber’s and Hidden but the best DJ in the area is none other than an elderly man behind the decks in The Victoria on a Friday It is arguably one of the hottest nights out in Manchester despite the sweat and the queueing to simply get into the pub I think 2025 is the year DJ Billy goes global; I’m picturing B2B with the biggest DJs around he’ll be headlining the Concourse next September Hope to see you all on the Bee bus from Victoria Park to Swankys wearing your Joni Jeans People start work on the seating plan in December?! Apparently, some of them can’t read because where was the tailoring?? Credit: MEN MediaA man has been charged with the murder of a 64 year old man in Greater Manchester Fintan McDwyer was found dead at a property on Platt Lane in Fallowfield on July 1 The 30-year-old is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates' Court today (July 9) Detectives are continuing to appeal for information about the incident Fintan's family described him as a 'gentle giant' who was a much-loved dad They said he was a 'quiet man' who loved walking his dog Sammy their tribute said: "Monday 1 July was the day that we lost our dad brother and uncle and our lives have since been turned upside down Our whole family is grieving the loss of Fintan "Our hearts are broken and will remain forever so but the love we learned from Fintan will give us the strength to try and move forwards in our life without him 20 years ago and she would be so proud of Fintan for the way he brought up his family Just a few weeks ago he spent time with us in Blackpool in the caravan who was very shy with such a dry sense of humour that we all loved so much He loved his TV quizzes and was a big sports fan and was often seen with her walking her around the local area and parks There isn’t anyone who would say a bad word about Fintan and it breaks our hearts that he has been denied years to be with his sons and grandchildren and he will continue to hold a very special place in our hearts We always know he will be watching over us neighbours and the local community for the kind words we have received and now request privacy as we grieve as a family." Any information can be reported to Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 5415 quoting log 695 of 1/7/24. Footage and images from CCTV cameras, dashcams, doorbell cameras and mobile phones can be submitted through the Major Incident Public Portal here Information can also be reported via Greater Manchester Police or anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 a consortium of Equitix (infrastructure investor GRAHAM (equity and construction) and Derwent FM (facilities management) has been selected as preferred bidder and delivery partner for the redevelopment of the University of Manchester’s Fallowfield Campus redevelopment under a Design The University and Viridis consortium will now work together to further develop its DBFO delivery plans with the aim of reaching financial close by summer 2025 purpose-built student accommodation on the Fallowfield campus The University of Manchester’s proposal to redevelop the Fallowfield Campus to provide more high-quality modern student accommodation was approved by Manchester City Council Planning and Highways Committee in January 2024 the site is well-connected and provides students with a wide range of support services to ensure a world-class student experience.  the wider Fallowfield campus will offer up to 5,400 student beds by replacing the existing older accommodation on-site and delivering 3,300 updated bedrooms to meet the growing demand for high-quality modern bedrooms across the popular campus.    University of Manchester said: ‘We are delighted to have reached another key milestone in the progression of our plans for the Fallowfield Campus Redevelopment with the selection of Viridis as preferred bidder and our delivery partner there remains a lot of work to do in order to reach financial close on this exciting programme by summer 2025 modern accommodation in a supportive and inclusive environment.   we will continue to work with our Fallowfield neighbours and local neighbourhood managers so that both our students and the surrounding community can benefit as much as possible from the redevelopment project.’ Equitix CIO said: ‘Delighted that an Equitix consortium has been selected to support the University of Manchester in its next stage of growth and development This win was achieved through our relentless focus on building trust and long-lasting relationships as well as providing best in class solutions with core focus on sustainability and value for money.’ Andrew Bill said: ‘GRAHAM is delighted to be working in partnership with the University of Manchester to deliver its vision for the Fallowfield Residences Redevelopment Programme we will focus on creating an exemplar sustainable campus that will enhance the experience of the University’s next generation of students.’ The University of Manchester advisors for the Fallowfield Campus Redevelopment Programme are: RLB The Viridis advisors are: Sheppard Robson (design) To view further information and to receive updates on the project, please visit the project website at Fallowfield student campus Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals A Building Magazine Leading in the field of building news reporting, Building Design & Construction Magazine is one of the most respected and referenced sources of building news, features, interviews. 1st Floor, Turnbridge Mills. Quay Street, Huddersfield. West Yorkshire. HD1 6QT enquiries@bdcmagazine.co.uk+44 1484 437312 Subscribe our newsletter to get the best stories into your inbox! © 2025 BDC Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals The Viridis consortium of Equitix, Graham and Derwent FM has been selected as preferred bidder and delivery partner for the next phase of the University of Manchester’s Fallowfield Campus. The £400m deal will be developed under a Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) model. The University and Viridis will now work together to develop its DBFO delivery plans with the aim of reaching financial close by summer 2025. On completion, the wider Fallowfield campus will offer up to 5,400 student beds by replacing the existing older accommodation on-site and delivering 3,300 updated bedrooms to meet the growing demand across the popular campus. The redevelopment will be delivered in multiple phases. Demolition of Owens Park Tower and surrounding buildings, which have been closed for several years, is ongoing and due to complete early in 2025. Graham CEO, Andrew Bill said: “Graham is delighted to be working in partnership with the University of Manchester to deliver its vision for the Fallowfield Residences Redevelopment Programme. “Together, we will focus on creating an exemplar sustainable campus that will enhance the experience of the University’s next generation of students.” Win HappyPremiumSearch Rayohits radiomanchesternewsWoman arrested in Fallowfield after commenting ‘hey guys’ on her own wanted appealThe 22-year-old was found hiding in a room under a pile of children’s toys A woman who taunted police by commenting ‘hey guys’ on her own wanted appeal posted to a GMP social media account was arrested later by officers from our Manchester City Centre team She was located at a property in Fallowfield after she was found hiding in one of the rooms under a pile of children’s toys The 22-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion for failing to appear at court for three counts of assault of an emergency worker She was further arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer She remains in custody for questioning by GMP detectives from GMP’s Manchester Central Neighbourhood Crime Team said: “We currently have a woman in custody being questioned by detectives thanks to the swift actions of our officers "We want to thank everyone who engaged with our post it ultimately helped us to locate and arrest this woman and we have dedicated teams of officers across Manchester who are actively seeking and arresting those who are wanted." First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app. Company number 01176085; Bauer Radio Limited Company number: 1394141Registered office: Media House Peterborough PE2 6EA and H Bauer Publishing Company number: LP003328; Registered office: The Lantern London NW1 2PL All registered in England and Wales VAT no 918 5617 01H Bauer Publishing are authorised and regulated for credit broking by the FCA (Ref No: 845898) UoM launched the hunt for a development partner in August 2023 and Derwent FM has been selected as the preferred bidder for the redevelopment of the Owens Park campus in Fallowfield which has offices around the world and works across various sectors from transport to digital infrastructure put together a proposition for the £400m project alongside Graham Equitix and Graham previously linked up in York delivering 1,480 beds across 18 accommodation blocks for the city’s university The University of Manchester launched a hunt for a development partner for the Owens Park project last August and secured outline approval for the redevelopment of the site earlier this year The scheme was designed by Sheppard Robson and proposes increasing the number of student beds currently on site by 900 those buildings provide around 2,370 student beds These ageing buildings are to be replaced with 3,300 new student bedspaces – an increase of 300 units compared to a 2015 iteration of the scheme that did not materialise director for the student experience at University of Manchester said: “We are delighted to have reached another key milestone in the progression of our plans for the Fallowfield Campus redevelopment with the selection of Viridis as preferred bidder and our delivery partner He added: “As we have said previously modern accommodation in a supportive and inclusive environment.” The Fallowfield job is the most recent win for Equitix in the student space Equitix was appointed by London School of Economics as the preferred bidder for a 2,000-bed London’s Bankside student scheme located behind the Tate Modern art gallery said: “This win was achieved through our relentless focus on building trust and long-lasting relationships as well as providing best in class solutions with core focus on sustainability and value for money.” As he journeys across northern Champagne during the harvest db correspondent Giles Fallowfield provides an update on conditions and yields this year As we drove yesterday morning (Wednesday 25th September) through the northern Champagne vineyards of Verzenay Apart from two isolated groups in each of these grands crus pickers were nowhere to be seen as the harvest of mostly black grapes here had all been picked by this Monday (23 September) is continuing over the rest of this week in some parts of the appellation the most easterly part of the vineyard and Sezanne where higher yields have made it more difficult to ripen the fruit in the cooling September weather This illustrates further the topsy-turvey nature of this harvest as Sezanne would normally be expected to be among the earliest declarations It is still relatively humid and with daytime temperatures around 15C the lurking botrytis threat is becoming ever more real for those who have not completed their harvest with around 10 days of sunshine and cool nights up until this past weekend the quality of what has been bought in and pressed I tasted some grape must (prior to the first alcoholic fermentation) with GH Mumm winemaker Yann Munier that came from three different plots that were picked on Monday in the crus of Avenay The first two were Pinot Noir of very similar degree and acidity with Avenay at 10.2deg potential alcohol and 7.4 acidity while Aÿ was at 10.6deg and 7.3gms/l acidity also showed enough grapefruit like acidity to finish noticeably fresh picked at 10deg potential alcohol and with acidity at 6.4gms/l they are displaying acidity levels not really seen in Champagne for a decade or so and as blending material to put with the recent past super ripe harvests add significantly to the options that winemakers in the region have at their disposal I also met up briefly with Severine Frerson chef de cave at Perrier-Jouët who was very happy with the quality of the grapes bought in from their estate over the past 10 days of picking She said: “We have Pinot Noir and Meunier at 10.5deg potential alcohol with a pH of 3.0 and acidity at around 7gms/l.” Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs was similarly good and she was off to look at how that variety has been faring in the Vitryat and the Sezannais regions where picking has only just started in this area based in the Côte des Bar village of Urville completed their last pressing on Saturday (21 September) said Hugo Drappier “We had a small quantity but with very good acidity to bring freshness to the ripe reserve wines of 2022 and 2023 Chardonnay was very late this year like it was in 2021 with the growing season extending back to 90 days or more.,” he added in addition to the three nights of frost in April (21-23) that wiped out about 60-70% of their entire crop “While Reims might expect around 650mm a year and here [in Urville] we generally have rather more at round 750mm this year we’ve had nearly double that at 1450mm and further south in Les Riceys they’ve had even more “It’s my father’s [Michel] 50th harvest and probably his smallest But the weather has been good since the start of August and we’ve had no issues with botrytis.” Thanks to having the maximum 10,000kgs in reserve and that being all high-quality material they won’t have problems bending good wine this year they certainly hope to have more volume available in 2025 We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings we will not be able to save your preferences This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again It’s coming up to the middle of semester one and your body no doubt feels very broken Whether it’s the routine hangovers or too much post night out scran (or both you’re probably wanting to touch some grass reconnect with nature and pull yourself together for the millionth time this week before you fall apart again next weekend it’s only right that I provide you with a comprehensive and not at all subjective guide on what your Manchester gym of choice says about you Affectionately known as “The Armo” the Armitage Sports Centre is the home of Uni of Manchester sport With approximately 10 outdoor sports pitches you would expect the Armo Gym to be top of the range it’s actually the size of a shoebox and could probably be crowned the most intimidating gym in Manchester you’re no doubt a “student athlete” with a strict gym schedule to get you in top form for your Wednesday fixture (and yes that includes the game you’ll drop at the sports social) Coming in at an appropriate £130 for the yearly student membership the Armo is not the most financially ruining Even if you do find the courage to brave the Armo Gym you might get bullied out of there if you can’t squat your body weight Located five minutes away from Fallowfield’s halls this gym is more of a social setting than somewhere to work out you’re probably a first year who joined the first gym you could see or you do the 12-3-30 on the treadmill for a gossip with your girls (if you feel targeted At £25.99 a month and with a student discount that seemingly runs all year around Just be prepared to see everyone you’ve ever met in your life whilst you’re attempting RDLs with awful form you get stuck in that weird tube at the entrance The best gym option in Manchester in my most humble opinion politely leave this place alone – it’s reserved for the exhausted and elderly final years With a monthly £25 membership that includes a gym and a swimming pool you’re probably a second or third year who promised their housemates you’re going to start swimming this year to stay fit (my housemates can vouch for me) You no doubt already live in Withington anyways so this is the most conveniently located gym for you The latest addition to the Fallowfield strip is the mighty Muscle Manor and it is quite something you have to be a pretty avid gym goer to be going to Muscle Manor Hence why this is actually the scariest gym in Fallowfield (sorry Armo) A Muscle Manor maniac solely drinks out of a MyProtein bottle eats chicken and rice every day and I already know that you grunt far too loudly when you do a deadlift Muscle Manor does boast a female-only glute section which is a win for the girls but even that couldn’t tempt me A post shared by SOPHIA PAIGE | WOMEN’S FAT LOSS COACH (@sophiapt__) Last but not least is TRIB3 in Deansgate: If you go here religiously TRIB3 is the most expensive of this bunch and that’s not counting the workout smoothie or acai bowl you get after you have the best slicked back ponytail ever and you most definitely have your life together You may use your Fiat 500 to get there but hey you’re in a better shape than the rest of us so who are we to judge the best gyms in Manchester to keep you sane and fit during the semester a fresher at The Gym Group or a Muscle Manor maniac there is a sports facility here for everyone (but not Withington Baths stay away from her because I do not need to see the entire of South Manchester in the pool every morning) • Fancy a roast? Five places to go near Fallowfield next time you miss your mum’s cooking Views’ plans for 42 flats off Wilmslow Road in Rusholme have been given the go-ahead two years after they were rejected by the city council’s planning committee Lidl has been given consent to tweak plans for its planned store at Fallowfield Shopping Centre Developer Views initially put forward its plans only to see them rejected for a variety of reasons Revised plans were submitted in December last year with the height scaled back and number of parking spots increased from 12 to 15 – an increase in street parking had been one issue raised with the initial proposal The Wilmslow Road frontage would be four storeys before dropping to three along the longer Grandale Street frontage Consultation carried out on the amended plans garnered 13 responses Statutory consultees raise no major concerns with the highways officer satisfied with the parking element The scheme was unanimously approved with committee members satisfied the tweaks made to the scheme had addressed the earlier issues said: “We are very pleased to have worked closely with Manchester City Council to secure planning permission for this important site “Our proposals will deliver much-needed new homes and a retail offering to support the ever-growing diverse and vibrant Manchester community.” Lidl bought the site for an undisclosed sum from CBRE GI the busy retail park at the junction of Birchfields Road Lidl secured consent in 2022 for a new foodstore The grocer has been given permission to tweak those plans making changes to the building’s footprint and parking configuration while also bringing in two sub-let retail units The existing medical centre will be demolished something planning officers describe as “regrettable” in a report to the city council’s planning committee The footprint of the new store would be 8,672 sq ft larger than the footprint of the existing buildings and would have a sales area around 2,000 sq ft larger than that greenlit in the extant permission – the expansion coming in line with a subtle shift in Lidl’s operating model When will Greater Manchester see its first mixed-use Aldi/Lidl development with residential above This could have been a great candidate in such a sustainable location They could have even combined the new Lidl store in to a block with a new medical centre It’s been done down in the south in Epsom I wonder if land values are still stopping it coming forward further north or it just needs a planning authority to try and push back let’s see what happens with the next one… Absolutely furious that the NHS practise will be replaced with 26 parking spaces that Lidl said it will never even need at peak times What on Earth is wrong with the people that approved this change… Urbanist GM Dreams – that’s bang on Lidl and Aldi’s small format stores and broad appeal are great additions to urban neighbourhoods but would be even better if they also thickened up places and made more effort to support foot traffic or cycling Really hope the Ollier Smurthwaite scheme gets built would be a really positive move for the area Imagine if Rusholme became trendy/an actual place to visit Rusholme will never be trendy as long as it remains dry and filled with cars Plans amended since a 2022 refusal for 42 flats off Wilmslow Road are recommended for approval along with a Lidl store at Birchfields Road Revised plans were submitted in December last year According to a viability assessment accompanying the application AshtonHale is advising Views on planning matters before dropping to three along the longer Grandale Street  frontage Planning officers gave a minded to approve recommendation making changes to the building’s footprint and Parking configuration also bringing in two sub-let retail units and removing the medical centre on site Planner Rapleys heads a professional team also featuring SMR Architects and FDA Landscape Manchester City Council’s planning committee meets on Thursday 25 July Views’ planning application can be viewed on the Manchester portal with the reference 138662/FO/2023 Shame they had to drop it a story to accommodate nimbys Inner city areas should be 4 floors minimum to densify the city Lidl’s proposal to replace the NHS GP surgery with 25 parking spaces given their own application states there will always be at least 26 free parking spaces This is the absolute baseline standard of all new architecture in Manchester Nice building that brings a bit of much needed class to the Curry Mile The only downside is staring out your window at shabby restaurants Design like this really isn’t rocket science Good proportions and some detailing goes a long way if they care anything about the community they are coming into It’s outrageous that shopping and finance will win Would like to see a few multi-storey buildings in the same style introduced in or around the city centre XFASTINDEX The Viridis consortium is expected to sign a £400m design, build, finance and operate (DBFO) contract for 5,400 student beds to modernise the Fallowfield campus Graham as main contractor (and it is putting in equity) and Derwent FM as facilities manager Its advisors include architect Sheppard Robson and consulting engineer WSP The University of Manchester and Viridis aim to reaching financial close in contract negotiations by summer 2025 The redevelopment will be delivered in phases. Demolition of Owens Park Tower and surrounding buildings Graham chief executive Andrew Bill said: “We will focus on creating an exemplar sustainable campus that will enhance the experience of the university’s next generation of students.” Equitix chief investment officer Achal Bhuwania said: “This win was achieved through our relentless focus on building trust and long-lasting relationships as well as providing best in class solutions with core focus sustainability & value for money.” Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk 6 hours Ebbsfleet Development Corporation is undertaking early market engagement for infrastructure works. 23 hours Following a recent expansion into North America, Murphy Group has now entered Australia. 5 hours Innovative tracked carrier manufacturer among 2025 King’s Award for Enterprise recipients 5 hours Modular construction business Integra Buildings has received royal recognition for its approach to sustainability. 7 hours MTX Contracts has been selected as the preferred bidder to build a diagnostic centre in Pitsea, Essex. 7 hours House-builder Springfield Properties has promoted Darren Thomson to construction director for its north of Scotland operations. © 2025 The Construction Index [Company No ' + response[i].created_nice + ' ' + response[i].description + ' (function (w) { var el = (window.__shadowRoot || document).getElementById('LPJuQ3PVJz-background-viewport'); w.Shorthand && w.Shorthand.initInstantImage w.Shorthand.initInstantImage(el) : w.SHPreloadInstantImages w.SHPreloadInstantImages.push(el) : w.SHPreloadInstantImages = [el]; w.Shorthand.initFocalPointPictures(); })(window)Sir Mark Cavendish is the BBC Sports Personality Lifetime Achievement award winner A mode of transport Manchester had long since thrown into its underground canal system it sat alongside other rotting relics of the industrial revolution And Mark Cavendish was the lead figure who would change the face of his chosen vocation and help redefine Britain's relationship with the bicycle Once he'd got all his worldly possessions back “The bikes were nicked and everything.” - Rod Ellingworth "We did get our equipment robbed on one occasion… everything went," says Ed Clancy - an eventual Olympic gold medallist who was part of the first intake of British Cycling’s academy alongside Cavendish Christian Varley and Tom White."I had the pleasure of living with Mark and Bruce in the very first year of the academy house at the end of Whitby Road in Fallowfield "Now you could say that it was a bit of a test that almost set us up to fail It was very much party central and it was a fairly rough area." "I think Mark had quite a lot of things nicked out of the room," says Rod Ellingworth - the academy founder who would go on to be an ever-present during Cavendish's career "The bikes were nicked and everything."You know But the truth was they'd left the window open Young lads… of course they'd left the window open."It was the first of many trials in the life of the ever-combative Mark Cavendish And a metaphor for a man who would make his name finding a way through the smallest of gaps It's hard enough being from anywhere in Britain and fitting into road cycling's Euro-focused pro peloton For someone who has often claimed to feel a bit "out there on my own" was always the friend of a man who would become known as the 'Manx Missile' I'm from the Isle of Man - that's in people's blood," he tells BBC Sport but… I didn't start cycling until I was nine years old and realised I was in love with it."There's no cycling in my family My parents were always encouraging me to do many things - not just sport cycling… "I practised to make myself better and ultimately compete For some reason I always wanted to be the best but it was also was a driving factor."A driving factor to shout… at people and - fairly frequently - journalists"I remember me and Mark did an under-23 World Cup race," says Clancy and two riders were in each other's faces… Mark and I think it was a German rider."The other guy said sarcastically: 'Yes Mark you're the best… you can go where you want and do what you want.' And Cav threw a bottle on the floor and shouted: "I effin' am the best!" “And also if somebody's attitude stinks a little bit Cavendish and Clancy would take very different journeys across their careers on the bike - Clancy the warm and dry wood of the world's velodromes; Cavendish the wet oil-smudged tarmac of the European continent But they bonded as academy riders and housemates I still think of Cav as that fella that turned up in a fake Lacoste tracksuit in a Vauxhall Corsa with 21-inch rims on it in on the first day of the academy," smiles Clancy He wasn't that interested in going out and socialising "He always said he was the best in the world even when he was a kid But I started believing it around that time to be honest He started winning races that were legit." But the line used so often in retelling the story of the sporting superstar - that 'you just knew this kid was going to make to it' - was absent with Cavendish "I actually think it all started with that academy journey," says Ellingworth always taking the mick out of people… that Isle of Man humour can touch your bone every now and again I couldn't quite understand why this lad hadn't been to the junior worlds and been selected more for the national team and it was very much down the line of: 'If you can't produce the numbers now you will never be able to produce that engine.' "And also if somebody's attitude stinks a little bit “I never saw him as some people saw him…” - Rod Ellingworth Ellingworth remembers arriving at a rented riders' house in Italy to find the front door wide open and nobody around laptops and other possessions himself "to teach them a lesson" He would only find out years later about the girlfriend of Cavendish who spent the afternoon in a wardrobe to hide from Ellingworth as he watched Formula 1 with Clancy the girls would leave out of the top of the house," he says "I don't know why they panicked - I wasn't bothered." A lot of money was being directed into British Cycling 20 years ago Ellingworth would have some serious convincing to do "I never saw him as some people saw him… a bit of a problem But you cannot put the passion in somebody's mind That's done from when they were young kids I think that's what this programme allowed them to do - to grow in a little bit more of a safer environment and sort of teach them longevity." “One Tour win makes a whole career” - Mark testing and flexing the virtually immovable hierarchical structure of a pro peloton run by a dominant Lance Armstrong and others?"I rode the Tour in my first year as pro and was way out of my depth," remembers Cavendish as he looks back to 2007 "The consequence of success and failure on such a high level… that's what I thrived on and based my whole career on "I'm a big believer you can do what you want to if you put your mind to it I knew what level I had to be at and I was determined to do it the year after."And he did Coming into Chateauroux on stage five after a hot 232km of the 2008 Tour Cavendish did - in a Team Columbia jersey - what he would go on to do another 34 times; jostle for position while an ever-more volatile peloton swarmed like angry bees honing in on a victim.Trying to block out the swearing shouting and deceptive calls from competitors he timed his launch to perfection and sprinted for the line with a furious burst of sustained effort few could ever match."One Tour win makes a whole career," he says "When I first crossed the line it was shock joy… every positive emotion you can imagine.” That joy never left Cavendish when he was on the bike competing.The floodgates opened after that first win winning four sprint stages across three weeks in 2008 including his first victory on the famous cobbles of Paris' Champs-Elysees on the Tour's blue-riband final stage.He would never better six in one Tour - winning 'just' five the following season along with the overall green points jersey.Cavendish the legend was up to speed imperious race craft in the year it all went right Speed is only one small part of a winning sprint And Cavendish's numbers weren't the best in the beginning or throughout his most illustrious career."I think there are various things at play when you look at how he rides his bike," says Ellingworth There are other bike riders who are much more powerful than him but timing is absolutely essential."Knowing when to go knowing the right sort of line to follow and the feel for the group His actual bike-handling skills at those moments when they're doing 70km/h and his vision where he needs to be… all that combined together fits really well And he sees all the detail - how he remembers things is really exceptional He's really good at sort of visualising and remembering and recalling that information "There's a lot of factors which make him the world-class bike rider that he is."If timing was Cavendish's thing he was about to catch the 'Sky Train' at just the right moment Fresh from winning the coveted rainbow stripes at the Road World Championships in true Cavendish style he - in that jersey - epitomised cycling's Britpack in 2012.The UK was in the grasp of Olympic and cycling mania The gold rush of 2008 on the track had translated to the road thanks to the dreams of Sir Dave Brailsford and Ellingworth They were taking on the French and Belgians with the aim of becoming the first British team to win the Tour de France with Bradley Wiggins as the first British champion who sees his 2012 season as the highest high when everything and everyone in British road cycling's golden generation came together and ruled the world already winner of the overall yellow jersey even led Cavendish out for his victorious sprint down the Champs-Elysees."That was a special time," remembers Cavendish "It still gives me goosebumps thinking about it.“Cycling has this incredible thing that people experience things together… the hardship you go through - the suffering really bonds people “But there were also moments when it was a bit dark”- Rod Ellingworth With pride comes a number of very heavy falls it had to get worse - what other way could it go No sooner had the shimmering summer vibes of 2012 broken through the planets started to go out of alignment."He's very sociable so having him on the bus and the laughing went up tenfold," says Ellingworth "But there were also moments when it was a bit dark and he liked to throw toys out the pram when things didn't happen."Cavendish - supported by Sky's very busy domestiques - was aware there was only one colour in the eyes of Brailsford and the team's very main-event-orientated sponsor: yellow And while the team would go on to win a further six Tours up to 2019 Cavendish jumped into the abyss way before that power and skill remained at top Belgian sprinting outfit Quick Step in 2013 - but there were fewer Tour stage wins and more outbursts at journalists and competitors A move to the South African Team Dimension Data in 2016 was revitalising and even yielded a spectacular four Tour stage victories in 2016 which included wearing the yellow jersey after a win on stage one Plus a silver medal on the track at the Rio Olympics in the omnium But Cavendish's relentless work ethic turned into inexplicable fatigue precipitating two of the sport's more harrowing crashes in recent times: the first at the 2017 Tour when green-jersey rival Peter Sagan punted Cavendish into a barrier at 70km/h Tour-ending shoulder injuries for Cavendish But the somersault from a head-on collision with a central reservation in the 2018 Milan-San Remo monument was even more graphic and debilitating.The Epstein-Barr virus meant he was not able to fully recover from efforts and pushing one's body way beyond what is healthy is one of road cycling's many occupational hazards But the condition can become permanent without substantial rest Cavendish was sacrificing food to stay light and improve his numbers.A descent into depression followed “Down times happen to any athlete and anyone in life”- Mark "Down times happen to any athlete and anyone in life," says Cavendish Cavendish’s wife Peta and his five children were a support network he could never doubt.But on the road even an old friend with a big budget couldn't bring back the good times in tears."He had done a project with McLaren and had introduced me to a guy who worked at Bahrain-McLaren who's now running Ineos," says Ellingworth "The whole ambition was there but then Covid hit I couldn't give Mark the attention I had before because I was running the team "I didn't feel like he was doing enough work It all started going a bit pear-shaped then."I think I neglected Mark just in terms of not giving him as much time as I had before… not listening to him the same as I had before "But we were all sort of fighting a little bit at that point All concerned about our own families and life going forward We didn't talk to each other for a little while."In the past much of Cavendish's frustration would be put through the bike itself - many times a machine worth more £15,000 would need substantial work after a sprint - one speciality being a broken or lost chain But as illness and injury prevented this outlet more and more the frustration would be directed elsewhere After a particularly gruelling Ghent-Wevelgem one-day race in October 2020 - thanks to a wildly flipped Covid-affected cycling calendar - Cavendish broke down in tears and proclaimed it was "maybe my last race"."There are times when I thought it was probably the end - it was more through lack of opportunity to ride rather than what I knew I could do," says Cavendish "The most difficult thing was knowing I could perform and being told "you're old" by people retiring earlier than the age I was… it didn't make sense they were in position to say whether I could do it or not “He was desperate on the TV”- Patrick Lefevere The question was not around Cavendish's want The question was around who would want him 36-year-olds are rare in the modern pro peloton But there was one person watching who had unfinished business.Patrick Lefevere - a man matched only by Cavendish in his outspoken nature and in giving journalists nightmares He was CEO of a Quick Step team (known in the peloton as the ‘Wolfpack’ for their predatory nature) where it all started turning less favourable back in 2015 Lefevere says: "He was desperate on the TV and I saw it and I thought: 'No that cannot be true.' I called and he came to my office and we found a last-minute deal." just his bike and whatever personal sponsorship deal he could secure for himself "He won his first stage [at the Tour of Turkey] and had a Zoom or Facetime and he starts crying and that was my best moment," says Lefevere and said: 'Now we're gonna drink Dom Perignon.' Because then I understood he would be doing a great Tour."It was only really now that 'The Record' was starting to be discussed again That record… a record Cavendish frequently reminded everybody he wasn't particularly bothered about.A record slightly skewed by the fact Belgian legend Eddy Merckx - widely regarded as the sport's best - had won 34 Tour stages of varying disciplines across the '60s and '70s being the all-round yellow-jersey contender (and five-time winner) that he was thanks to the refinement of the sprinting discipline since Merckx's time took his wins on the flat.But even if Cavendish wasn't going to engage in the fanfare of 'Project 35' the rest of the world would do it for him in 2021.By stage four into Fourgeres the countdown was on as he won his 31st Tour stage."Mark is old but didn't lose his speed," says Lefevere "He knows very well how to prepare himself There is no way you win more spectacularly - his position on the bike That's the way he expresses himself."When he won first stage in the Tour I think that was one of biggest emotions I ever saw in 20 years of my team And then the miracle happened: one stage became four and then the green jersey."Nearly a decade after the Sky years and Cavendish's glorious win on the Champs-Elysees record-breaking moment back on the cobbles as the sun set on a glorious summer's day in the French capital Cavendish careered towards the line in typical marauding fashion the trademark grimace on his face… to see a Belgian cross the line in front of him Wout van Aert kept the record in the Low Countries and with a smile on Merckx's face as he watched Cavendish was once again inexplicably cast back into the wilderness and we have to use it,"- Alexandre Vinokourov What should have been a triumphant return to the Tour had turned sour It was already decided before the new-year training camps that Cavendish was not going to contest the 2022 Tour Lefevere turning to Dutchman Fabio Jakobsen instead.Six months later and a collapsed attempt to join French minnows B&B Hotels looked like a deeply underwhelming end to a glittering career But yet another perceived villain from the past - cycling has many of those - came to the fore One of the few accolades which got away from Cavendish during his career was the London Olympics road race gold medal Now boss of Astana-Qazaqstan – a virtually state-funded Kazakh World Tour team - 'Vino' seized upon a chance many were surprised others didn't: for Cavendish's final attempt to break Merckx's record everyone in the world apart from the man himself seemed to want so badly.He came agonisingly close in Bordeaux A crash and broken collarbone ended his race with Cavendish - arm bound in a sling - tearfully saying goodbye once again.But Vinokourov wasn't listening and we have to use it," he said.Cavendish simply wanted to race That was what he said motivated him throughout his whole career almost exactly 16 years since his first win on a balmy French summer’s day The beauty of that final record-breaking victory in Saint Vulbas near Lyon was perhaps not his trademark low-set charge to the line the myriad signs it was time to stop: illness Written by Matt WarwickSubbed by Reece KillworthDesign by Scott McCallImages by Getty Images All you need to knowThis year's show will mark 12 months of sporting action including Great Britain's success at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics and England men's run to the final of Euro 2024 Who decides the shortlist?Eight awards are handed out - including the main prize for which there are six contenders: footballer Jude Bellingham Para-cyclist Sarah Storey and triathlete Alex Yee Join our newsletter for daily jewellery news Check if you already have access from your company or university