THING OF THE WEEK

LIVERPOOL GETS SWEATY… Activewear brand Sweaty Betty is making a debut in Liverpool One this June, with its largest store in the North. Taking space amongst the extensive array of premium lifestyle brands on Peter’s Lane, the 2,600 sq ft site will stock the brand’s iconic lines, which are crafted from responsibly-sourced materials and recycled bottles. Sustainable and Jennifer Aniston-approved – sign us up!

Credit: via planning documents

TRICK OF THE LIGHT... Since retaking ownership of Trafford Palazzo – previously known as Barton Square – Peel L&P has worked hard to reposition it as a place to have fun rather than simply a retail destination. Nerf Action Experience and an immersive VR football concept from Walljam are among the venues due to open at the 350,000 sq ft complex in the coming months, while EL&N, the cafe of influencers’ dreams, launched this week. No stone is being left unturned as Peel bids to make Trafford Palazzo a must-visit destination. Attention has now turned to the exterior of the building, where the developer is planning to install some snazzy light displays to lure in visitors.

We’re here for the #Manchester @LandAid #SleepOut and we’re all in good spirits with over 200 wonderful people from across the sector, doing our bit to #EndYouthHomelessness. #TogetherWeCan pic.twitter.com/nERcerMfkH

— Muse (@muse_places) March 2, 2023

SALE SLEEP OUT… Manchester sits second only to London on LandAid’s donation leaderboard following last night’s Sleep Out at Sale Rugby Club. More than 200 property professionals from across the North West braved a chilly March night under the stars to raise money to help support young people who are homeless. Nathan Cornish, who chairs LandAid’s North West chapter raised more than £4,000 of the £62,000 total. Other familiar names that took part include David Russell, Pete Swift, and Nicola Wallis. Hats off – or on – depending on the weather. There is still time to donate.

PCG’s David Smith-Milne (left) and Paper Films director Daniel Kennedy. Credit: via Medlock Media

FILM BUFFS… Developer Place Capital Group has bought a video production company. The acquisition of Manchester-based firm Paper Films is a departure from the type of businesses PCG has snapped up in recent months. Since being established in 2021, PCG has brought architecture practices Grounded, Loop Systems, and MCAU, and place consultancy Fourth Street, into its expanding group. Rather than designing buildings, Paper Films specialises in the creation of video content to bring to life development projects and masterplans, which is a “far better” alternative to written reports, according to PCG founder David Smith-Milne.  

GONE TO POT… Cheshire West and Chester Council repaired 7,000 potholes last year, which is around 19 a day. In a bid to save time in the future, the council is experimenting with a nifty bit of kit aimed at both improving and speeding up the process of fixing pesky potholes. The JCB Pothole Pro can fix a pothole in around eight minutes, which is much quicker than using conventional methods. The council will decide whether to invest in a Pothole Pro following the outcome of an eight-week trial. The cost? Around £165,000. 

Energy House 2.0 is located at Frederick Road. Credit: via Liberty PR

SAL-FIRST… The University of Salford claimed the top prize at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s Building of the Year Awards yesterday for Energy House 2.0. It was an achievement worth celebrating, despite the judge’s repeated remarks that its win was proof the award was not a design competition (harsh!). Energy House 2.0 is a space where innovations in construction can be tested, helping us towards a greener built environment. David Maiden, project director at AECOM (which was the project manager for Energy House), said it best: “This is not just a building, it’s a direction”. Also, props to Jennifer Wood of Bowmer and Kirkland on winning apprentice of the year, an experience she described as “absolutely awesome”. Wood also happened to work on Energy House 2.0 during her apprenticeship. #Synergy