THING OF THE WEEK
ROMAN AROUND… Its not every day a piece of ancient history is found beneath our feet. Archaeologists have uncovered what are being described as “remarkably well-preserved Roman remains” at a site on Liverpool Road in Manchester city centre. Civic’s archaeological team was carrying out some investigative work for Allied London when it came across a Roman road – the main northern exit route from the former Roman fort known as Mamucium. Pottery, glassware, and animal bones have also been found. Those Romans knew how to party.
Wrexham Council rejected the scheme but then withdrew its reasons for refusal. Credit: Google Earth
POOR SHOW… 10 of Wrexham Council’s planning committee members did not show up for what was quite an important meeting this week, meaning it lasted less than three minutes as it could not legally be held. The committee was asked to determine its position for or against an application for 600 homes in Holt ahead of an appeal later this year.
Given the fuss that has been made about the authority’s local plan, you might have expected a good turnout for the opportunity to talk down a residential scheme. However, the dearth of bums on seats means the scheme, proposed by Barratt and Bloor Homes, now goes to appeal with a whimper as far as the council is concerned. Were the excuses given for non-attendance valid, or was the mass absence a result of indifference towards a scheme that has been in the works since 2019?
You could be forgiven for missing the building. Credit: via Marketing PRojects
PUMP… In a city so jam-packed with history, you could be forgiven for not giving the derelict former pumphouse on the Old Dee Bridge between Chester and Handbridge a second thought. It is hardly an amphitheatre after all. But this little sandstone building boasts an interesting past and, if plans being worked up are approved, an exciting future.
Built in 1913, the building was originally a hydroelectric station, providing power for homes and businesses in Chester. It then became a water pumping station in 1952 before ceasing operations in 2015. For the last 10 years its has stood derelict and is deteriorating. Now, plans from Cheshire Heritage and Sustainability Enterprises are aimed at bringing it back into use as a visitor centre and education hub, as well as exploring how it could once again help power the city using new technologies.
PARTY… Growing a business is hard, especially given the current state of the world, so this week we are taking our hats off to Macclesfield-based Emery Planning, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. The consultancy celebrated in fine style with two huge cakes, a few little ones, and some champagne. They say life begins at 40 and that sounds like a pretty good start.
Credit: via archive
CHILL OUT… It is officially time to stop calling Chill Factore Chill Factore. After acquiring the Trafford indoor ski-slope in 2021, Snow Centres is finally getting round to refreshing the signage on the 167,000 sq ft structure. The landlord’s rebrand will see the centre renamed the Snow Centre, which is reassuringly straightforward given who owns it and what it is. However, having been known as Chill Factore since it opened in 2007, it may be one of those venues – like the GMEX or the MEN Arena – whose name will endure.
Credit: Euan Kellie
WANDERWALK… He’s done it. Last week, Euan Kellie completed his 60-mile “Wanderwalk” to fundraise for A Bed Every Night, raising £4,627 in the process. Over two days, Kellie stomped for 22.5 hours, taking in each of Greater Manchester’s 10 boroughs and meeting some friendly faces along the way. There is still time to donate and get him to the magical £5,000 mark.
