THING OF THE WEEK

SOLAR STADIUM… A car park at Crewe Alexandra’s Gresty Road stadium is to become a solar farm. The club has submitted proposals to Chesire East Council to install thousands of PV panels on the three-acre site, which will continue to be used as a car park alongside its new use. The proposals would “enhance the car parking experience at the club in addition to improving the economic and environmental performance of the stadium,” according to a planning statement submitted with the application. Let’s hope the sun shines on the car park more than it has on the team of late. The Railwaymen finished rock bottom of League One last year and have only recorded seven wins in 25 so far this year. 

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— Tom Clarke (@visuals0und) July 19, 2018

SCULPTURE VULTURES… Manchester City Council is planning to demolish a parade of shops in Collyhurst to pave the way for a future phase of the £4bn Victoria North regeneration scheme. The shops in line for the wrecking ball once served residents in properties surrounding Eastford Square. They have been vacant for some time as the flats around them were razed. Flattening an area is often necessary to beget change but not every part of Eastford Square will be turned to dust. As well as applying to knock down the shops, the city council is keen to save the square’s sculpture. The concrete creation, reportedly the work of renowned sculptor William Mitchell – although nobody is quite sure – will be moved to a patch of grass nearby.  

Credit: via Redwood Consulting

SLEEP OUT TO HELP OUT… LandAid, the property industry charity, is calling on more than 1,000 property professionals across the UK to raise money for youg people between 16-25 year facing homelessness. The method? Coming together to endure one night sleeping under the stars on Thursday 2 March. The North West SleepOut will take place at Sale Rugby Football Club and each participant will be asked to raise over £166 – the cost of funding one desperately needed bed space for a month. Addleshaw Goddard is supporting this year’s event. A spokesperson from the law firm said: “While this is a mere glimpse into the hardship people continue to face, we hope to raise awareness of youth homelessness and support our local community in Greater Manchester.” Grab your sleeping bag and get involved.  

 

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POT KETTLE RED… Manchester’s up-and-coming Red Bank district is welcoming another showstopper to its line-up. Independent bakery Half Dozen Other has signed a ten-year lease on a 4,500 sq ft premises under the Red Arches. Part of the Pot Kettle Black group, the bakery is growing its wholesale baking venture with its first customer-facing shop. It joins the likes of The Sparrows, a central European restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide. Not bad for an old railway arch. 

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— The White Horse Pub (@TheWhiteHorsePu) February 2, 2023

USHERING IN… Chef-restauranter and founder of Elite Bistros Gary Usher has announced when his latest venture will open its doors. Last year, Usher bought the White Horse in the Cheshire village of Churton in a bid to fulfill a lifelong dream of opening a country pub. After raising more than £200,000 through a Kickstarter campaign for refurbishment work, Usher has now announced the venue’s grand opening will be on 3 March. Usher’s other ventures include Sticky Walnut, Kala, and Hispi.