THING OF THE WEEK

ARTISTIC UNVEILING… Cert Property is nearing the end of its refurbishment of Hilton House in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, and what could be a more appropriate way to finish off the facelift than with some new graffiti for the large stretch of wall running up the side of the office. Painted by Nomad Clan, the design reflects the NQ’s history in textiles and fashion, a artistry set to continue in more tech-enabled form as Hilton House is understood to have received a lot of (unsurprising) interest from creative and digital occupiers.

IF YA SMELL… Sefton Council’s planning committee has a decision to wrestle with: two stars of the WWE are looking to convert a former industrial unit in Bootle into a new wrestling school, but the plans have run into a hurdle. The council’s planning officers have recommended the scheme, backed by WWE NXT UK tag team champions Zack Gibson and James Drake, be refused,  arguing a change of use isn’t acceptable. It’s not likely the words “Local Plan” and “change of use” were ever uttered in the ring, but should we expect suplexes and DDTs galore at next week’s committee meeting? Perhaps Sefton Council’s recently-appointed chief executive could step in. His name? Dwayne Johnson…

BE BOLD… In a city of bold buildings, ever wondered which one was Manchester’s boldest? This is a conundrum which could soon be solved for you by prolific tour guide and writer Jonathan Schofield as he reveals a series of look-arounds one of the city’s grade one-listed buildings, throughout September and October. Described by Nikolaus Pevsner as “the boldest building of the early 20th century in England”, the prize goes to Edgar Wood’s First Church of Christ Scientist in Victoria Park. As Manchester’s answer to Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Wood’s building is set to delight those Art Nouveau and Arts & Craft lovers. Book your tickets here

BIG WHEEL… Lucky Lancastrians are set to have their Christmas ramped up this year: the organisers behind Lancaster’s ice-skating rink have announced a ferris wheel will be joining the festivities. The big wheel will be close to The Borough pub on the northern end of Dalton Square in the city centre, and has been given the go-ahead by the city council, bringing gradually-rotating fun to the festive offering for the first time.

LIGHT UP… Manchester’s Heaton Park is home to lots of ducks, Parklife, and now it is going to be the host of light festival Lightopia in its European debut. Light shows, lanterns and light-based architecture will guide people through sections of the park from 21 November to 31 December. If you’re lucky, you may even spot Manchester-favourite glowing bees amongst The Love Gate and The Tree of Life along the trail.

SCRIBBLES… This year’s Revo was full of all sorts of innovations, and not only on the exhibition floor. At a panel chaired by Place North West editor on the future of retail, the clever people at Scriberia provided a ‘live scribing’ of highlights from the discussion and delivered a succinct image of the hour-long conversation. Next week’s THING will be in a similar format.