THING OF THE WEEK
SUPER SLIDE… THING always enjoys a rummage through planning applications, with a whole myriad of surprises revealed within the region’s planning portals if you look hard enough. While some attractive new CGIs of the proposed Therme resort in Trafford were revealed following the validation of the application this month, THING especially enjoyed this artist’s impression buried within the more formal planning documents. No, the planner hasn’t gone crazy with Microsoft Paint; the image is in fact an aerial view of the apparently elaborate, and colourful, water slide tower included as part of the proposed 700,000 sq ft resort. Perhaps slightly migraine-inducing for parents, but certainly an experience the kids should enjoy.
DEAD RINGER… Christmas hilarity is in full swing, and few sub-sectors of the property scene know how to party like Manchester’s office agents. At the annual Christmas Lunch this week, who better to compere than Lambert Smith Hampton director Andrew Gardiner, who is never backwards when it comes to coming forwards. However, the ‘lady’ with blonde hair and distinctive leapord print garb who stepped up to the podium was more reminiscent of one of the sector’s other well-known and well-networked figures, PR and event organiser Penny Audsley. Based on Penny’s face, she doesn’t look especially impressed, but really attendees should be grateful Andrew’s costume was significantly less terrifying than his previous take on popstar Kylie Minogue.
Yesterday’s Manchester Office Agents Christmas lunch was brilliant with amazing speeches by @ag23466 @at_edco @HallamsProperty as well as John Hughes explaining the important job that office agents do 🤓 but the real highlight was this moment…@PAPRManchester #properchap pic.twitter.com/4cv5diKapd
— Anna de la Perrelle (@annadlp) December 5, 2019
SHHH… Kampus’ secret garden in Manchester, delivered by Exterior Architecture, is not so secret anymore. Ahead of residents moving into HBD and Capital & Centric’s £250m development in spring 2020, the public are invited to delight in the grassy knoll near Canal Street for the next couple of weeks. The garden will be filled with pop-up vendors amongst the trees so enjoy a tropical Christmas in Manchester instead of the packed markets.
SECRET SURPRISE… Here’s an unusual Secret Santa present for a literary colleague. The Lake District bridge that inspired the poet Wordsworth is up for sale for as little as £1 – beating the typical gift of new pens or a humorous mug. The grade two-listed Calvert Bridge over the Rover Greta near Keswick, named after the 18th century poet’s old school friend William Calvert, is for grabs in an online auction by Landwood Property Auctions on 11 December. Interested parties can also bid for a neighbouring strip of woodland and riverbank on Penrith Road if they want the full historic site.
GOOD DEED…While we’re on the subject of presents….It may not be as glamorous as an English poet’s bridge, but there’s nothing wrong with the gift of a brick. LGBT rights charity the Proud Trust has launched a Christmas ‘Buy a Brick’ campaign as an alternative strategy for crowdfunding the rebuild of the country’s only LGBT+ centre in Manchester. The trust aims to raise £150,000 towards the final £2.4m scheme, which will replace the current LGBT+ centre on Sidney Street and triple the size of the original space. Donations of £100 for individuals or £1000 for corporates can be made via the charity’s website at www.theproudtrust.org/shop/buy-a-brick/ – and you’ll get a certificate too.
