THING OF THE WEEK

GOING SWIMMINGLY… It has been a good week for Bruntwood in Manchester. The company won planning approval for a combined 483,000 sq ft of office space across two buildings; No3 Circle Square and The Alberton. The latter is billed as a wellness-focused workspace and features the highest swimming pool in a commercial building in the UK. Manchester City Council was clearly impressed with both schemes, approving them without sending them to committee. 

Credit: via Jayne Moore Media

BANDSTANDING… Work on a bandstand in Liverpool’s Strawberry Fields is progressing. But this is not just any old bandstand. Its design is based on the drum from the cover of the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album, and will feature musical and theatrical performances that visitors to the park can listen to via wireless headphones as they roam the famous grounds. It is said that John Lennon’s inspiration for the song Strawberry Fields Forever came from spending time in the park as a child listening to the Salvation Army band play. 

Cllr Pat Karney: “We all know that Manchester does Christmas better than anywhere else – come and see us!” Credit: Darren Robinson

MARKET MAYHEM… Manchester’s Christmas markets are back, which means the festive season is upon us. How did that happen? Love them or loathe them, the markets are here for the next seven weeks, which means Yorkshire pudding wraps, mulled wine, and more artisanal cheeses than you can shake a stick at across 220 stalls. Not to mention the return of the Market Street obstacle course. Enjoy!

Credit: via CWAC

PRIME CUTS… And while we are on the topic of markets, a more permanent one has opened its doors in Chester. Part of the £70m Northgate development – which many thought might never happen – the market is now home to 39 stalls constructed out of 60 tonnes of locally sourced oak. The ribbon was cut by Geoff Hughes, who first started working in the old market when he was 14, later setting up Geoff Hughes Family Butchers in 1996, together with his wife Debbie. 

Credit: via Font Comms

BURNHAM v ROTHERAM… It’s the North West DJ battle of the century when the two metro mayors showcase their scratch skillz. Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham is facing off against Mayor of Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram in a turntable tournament for the ages – all for a good cause. Proceeds from the £10 ticket charge will go towards the charity A Bed Every Night, which seeks to help tackle rough sleeping in Greater Manchester. It all goes down at 7pm on 2 December at Mayfield Depot. Grab your tickets now!