THING OF THE WEEK

APRIL FOOLS… An arm wrestle and a deal made 23-years ago on Bondi Beach has resulted in Walker Sime changing its name to Sime Walker. Hooters is buying the Royal Liver building, installing its 18-foot Hooty mascot next to the Royal Liver birds. Vu.City is proposing wind turbines in the Thames, right by the London Eye. The April Fools jokes were coming in fast and furious on 1 April. While we fell for none, we admire the attempts! Also, worth noting that this 48-storey Southport skyscraper was not an April Fools’ joke – just goes to show reality is stranger than fiction.

Credit: via Preston City Council

SIGN OF THE TIMES… Civic pride, thy name is Preston. The Lancashire city has a new iconic steel sign. The blue words have rope weaved through them to hint at the town’s history in the textile industry. Expect to see this new Instagram hot spot popping up throughout the city, first at Flag Market and later? Well, that’s still to be decided.

Credit: Place North West

BOLD LAUNCH… Property professionals in Manchester attended the launch of the city’s newest flexible workspace yesterday. Bold Bauhaus, which is already 60% let, opened its doors, unveiling an array of extremely on-brand decor. Bright yellow Chesterfield sofas, a gold elephant head and a bowl of lemons all feature in Bold’s lounge area. Andy why not? Fortune favours the bold after all.

ROLL WITH IT… Martins Bank is about to undergo a giant refurbishment, but before renovation work begins they’re offering up a virtual tour. Just in case the historic vaults, banking hall and board room aren’t enough to keep you entertained – the folks at Martins Bank owner Kinrise have added a few skaters into the mix. Groovy.

Vita Student Pedralbes. Credit: Vita Group

VITA VIDA… Vita is a well-known name in Manchester’s development community, and now the good people of Barcelona are hearing all about Mark Stott’s firm, too. Vita Group is preparing to launch its first projects outside the UK in the Catalan capital: the 274-unit Vita Student Pedrables and the 349-unit Vita Student Poblenou. There is no doubt the projects look impressive, but could Vita’s move into mainland Europe be an elaborate ploy to bolster another of Stott’s ventures? Stott’s Stockport County is on the cusp of promotion back to the Football League, Vita’s newfound presence in a footballing hotbed like Barcelona could afford the chief executive the opportunity to scout some talent to bring to Edgeley Park.