THING OF THE WEEK
MISSING PIECES… Something different for Sale under these designs by Artform Architects, which secured planning permission earlier this year. The ‘missing house’ will be built on a corner plot that was originally left undeveloped when the suburban street, made up of semi-detached and detached houses, was built in the early 20th century. The three-storey house is build at angles to address the curve of the street, and features buff-brick below and black charred timber cladding above. It’s not always easy to get contemporary architecture like this past planners, particularly in suburban locations, so THING doffs our cap to Artform for securing permission, with planning officers agreeing the proposals would deliver a “high-quality, contemporary addition to the street scene”.
FLASHY WHEELS… This weekend will host the first supercar café of the year at Wilmslow’s Aston Martin centre on Water Lane, taking place on 18 May between 8.30am to 10.30am. If you fancy showing off your wheels – and rest assured there’s a few of those hidden away in underground car parks across Manchester and Liverpool – just turn up on the day with your car of choice, and admire what everyone else brings along. Given it’s an Aston Martin centre, too, there’ll be a look around the service area and some tips on keeping your Aston in good nick. After this weekend’s event, the next one will be on 20 July.
… Applying the colour #megamural @Bruntwood_UK #gorgeousgorsehill #130ft 🎨 x pic.twitter.com/rjRnvedsG2
— Venessa scott (@Venessascott_uk) May 14, 2019
MASSIVE MURAL… A huge mural celebrating the centenary of votes for women is coming to the side of Bruntwood’s Trafford House, with a suspended crane now in place to help artist Venessa Scott deliver the piece over the next three to four weeks. Scott won a global competition to design the piece, which saw entries from as far away as Brazil, and the mural is now starting to take shape overlooking Chester Road, one of the key routes in and out of Manchester. Stretching the 38m high, the colourful piece should brighten a few commuters’ days once it completes. Follow Venessa on Twitter above for updates.
BUS BANTER… Top chat from the region’s two Metro Mayors at this week’s Northern Transport Summit, with a few of usual jibes from Burnham and Rotherham on the cities’ football rivalry interspersed with some transport anecdotes. Rotheram reflected on how Liverpool’s “twirlies” got their name: rumour has it, the name originates from the queue of elderly folk waiting to board buses at 9.30am when free travel starts – if it’s before then, they’re too early, or t’wirly, if you will. Meanwhile Burnham’s suggestion for a name for Greater Manchester’s bus card – a Buzz Card, referencing the Manchester bee – was kiboshed slightly when it was pointed out people from Bolton pronounce ‘bus’ like ‘buzz’ anyway. Keep up the great banter guys – promise we won’t reference Steve’s pledge to introduce flying cars in Liverpool, or keep asking about the monorail…
HAIRY BIKERS… August Bank Holiday weekend marks the eagerly-awaited return of cookery TV duo the Hairy Bikers to Bolton Food Festival, where they’ll be joining a line-up featuring James Martin, Gregg Wallace, and Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines. Si and Dave – as the bikers are otherwise known – took part in the long-running festival between 2008 and 2011, so this year is a welcome return after a long absence, while the considerably-less-hairy Gregg Wallace will be showcasing some recipes in some live demonstrations. Last year, the festival in the town centre attracted more than a quarter-of-a-million visitors, and this year’s shindig will run from 23 to 26 August. It promises plenty of food, drink, crafts, a gin festival, and live music.
