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 Baby
Bugle
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The
Baby Bugle
issue
9
Still
no roof gardens ... maybe a balcony ... a front step?
Property is Theft There are many derelict buildings in the area. Absentee landlords have allowed buildings to reach appalling levels of decay and while our heritage rots, we plan gleaming new buildings. If the Smithfield development is to be properly integrated into the Northern Quarter, and the city as a whole, then this problem needs to be addressed in a radical way. I
never promised you a roof
A look at the different cultures and economies of these different times. The session will take place in the afternoon and continue into the evening with visits to evening venues in the area. Cultural
Animation
Radio
Space
The City Council want to build a 'transport interchange' on land currently owned by CIS. Following a legal battle with the City, CIS have forced the case to be considered by the Secretary of State, John Prescott, as to whether there should be a public inquiry. Manchester Civic Society are also pressing for a public inquiry into the City Council's application to demolish listed buildings, because: a) the City Council's interest in the proposal makes it unsuitable to determine the case; b) there are doubts about the suitability of the site for this purpose; c) the scheme involves the demolition of buildings within the conservation area, is alien to its character and conflicts with previously stated principles for development in this area. If you agree with the Civic Society, that a further inquiry is needed, write to: The Rt Hon John Prescott MP, Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, Eland House, Bressenden Place, London SW1E 5DU. The Northern Quarter Cup The Very Lovely Mister Johnny Woodhams, Mastermind behind the Northern Quarter Cup, has handed me a rather special report on the evening - can't do it justice here - the following is an extract: "The fact that by 6.30 ninety players plus subs and supporters had arrived, registered and were out on the practice pitches was enough to send me home in a state of euphoria. For that alone, I cannot thank everyone enough. But, add to that, all the teams had fantastic kits and, remarkably, not one of them clashed." Also, there seems to have been some rather serious football, despite all the snipes about lard and beer guts before the event. And who won? Apparently it was also the prettiest team ... but it's the taking part that counts, so thanks to all you community-spirited n/4ites. Full report - with photos of fabulous knees - to follow. A special message from former chair Michael Trainor - he would like to apologise for his lack of attendance at the event, which was due to a severe aversion to sport. A few ideas floating about for further events: 'pub sports triathlon' - darts, pool and table football. Or a rounders tournament? However, Johnny has to rest up for a few months, after the excitement of all that lycra, so anyone else interested in organising something? Fruitbowl UpdateAmec/Crosby are hopeful that they will sign the first stage of their agreement with the City Council by the end of April. Until this is signed, Amec/Crosby do not have any guarantees for money they invest in the area - hence the lack of anything much happening. We are still in negotiation with Amec about possible funding of the Association - best not to hold your breath. In the meantime, we are reassured that NQA will be involved in further decisions ... or at least informed ... probably. The first phase of the development includes: the Market Buildings on Thomas St [loft apartments and ground floor retail], the Old Fish Market [semi-permanent market], newbuild on the Craft Centre carpark [work spaces for extremely small craftspersons, designers, architects and gerbils (rspca warn they could be too small for rabbits)]. And what is this fruitbowl? Michael Trainor has suggested this as an alternative name for the development area. There are already too many Smithfields around! And why not a Fruitbowl? What, with the imminent renovation of Pineapple Towers - watch this space! [well, 32 Thomas St, actually]. Pocket Park Ravaged by Environmental Improvement We've been whinging on at the City Council for so long about minor repairs and improvements around the area, that we nearly got caught out whinging about their gardening skills! The Village Way, a rare bit of n/4 greenery (between Shudehill and the Craft Centre), was desperately in need of some TLC. Since the body of a young woman was left on this piece of ground at the end of last summer, the overgrown shrubs have not seemed like such a good design feature. The park has only just recovered from the attentions of the Police Gardening Squad, and a few weeks ago clumps of daffodils were blooming, oblivious to the violent reputation of the area. It's good that the Council are finally giving some attention to this little park, I just hope they plant something other than nettles. Jambo
Safari
An information session for students is run on a Wednesday afternoon of each month (during term time). Next one: Wednesday 5 May, 2pm, at NQA offices. Please ring Lorna to book (834 5143). Appeal
for Murky money!
Who would have thought it? Grotty old Tib Street on the front of a national prestigious coffee table publication, Craft. And now also a beautiful leaflet to tell the world about the Northern Quarter Public Art Scheme (all members should receive a copy in this mailing). The scheme is gradually gaining international renown, with recent visits from Dutch students, German architects and Russian museum directors. Public recognition of the significance of the scheme is gathering apace, with nominations for Manchester Civic Society Awards. The Public Art Scheme has been nominated for the Manchester Renaissance Award, and Lead Artist, Liam Curtin has been nominated for the Spirit of Manchester Award, as has the Association itself - what competition! The Awards will be announced at a special lunch at the Town Hall on 20 April. New Broom: May Day will see the inauguration of a new sculpture, by George Wyllie, on the corner of Hilton St/John St. We need to contact all n/4 morris dancers for this event - don't be shy - another chance for all those footballers to show off their legs ... Fat City Morris Dancers... ? Art Ensemble of Tib StreetAbout time n/4 had its own musical installation performance experience. To kick off the concept, a posse of brass players and Liam's-funny-pipes players is being composed, to launch a Big Sculpture in June. If there are any brass players out there that I don't already know and you're interested, contact Lorna at the office. Finally, a thought on the meaning of public art. Tib St has recently been blitzed by some rather unremarkable graffiti - is this intended as an improvement to our environment? However, the 'artist' should note that a Northern Quarter Lion's Den is currently under construction, I am reliably informed. Property
information for n/4
Due to the lack of response from Manchester City Council with regard to financial support, the Northern Quarter Street Festival has been put back until the end of the summer. Too big a disappointment to discuss in length here (the decision has only just been taken), but further information will be circulated within the next two weeks, explaining all, including a fallback position for events in the Northern Quarter over the summer. First
Glass Travel
To lighten their load when moving, Majolica Works are having a sale: Saturday 17 April, 10.20-5.30 - ooh, lots of blue & white bargains ... More newcomers:
Matt & Phred's jazz bar, in the former Kaleida premises on Oldham Street, now open with beer and live jazz every night. We like the neon and the windows. Definitely not newcomers, new owners of ex-Richard Wood's shop on Thomas St/Edge St, The Department Store, have begun the task of transforming a wholesaler's premises into a dream come true: a haven for arts organisations. First stage includes a newly refurbished ground floor retail unit, and offices/workshops on other floors. For further info, contact the Northern Quarter office. Newcomers Soon:The end of May will see the opening of Love Saves the Day, a licensed deli, specialist grocers and coffee shop on the Tib St side of Smithfield Buildings. They are currently recruiting full and part-time staff - if you're interested contact Sam or Debs on 832 1666. Also due to open by the end
of May: Planet K, new club on Oldham St, brought
to us by Rakhi Kumar's Rebel Alliance.
Editorial
comment [or, Lorna has a moan]
We can also send out leaflets (not too heavy) in our mailing to over a hundred Northern Quarter Association members. Also, contact us if you would like more copies of this bulletin. northern quarter assocation 1st & 2nd Floor, 100-102 High Street, Manchester M4 1HP; tel: 834 5143; fax: 819 1430; e-mail: Sarah.NQA@good.co.uk; www.nqn.org.uk
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