The building was once home to little more than a pigeon infestation – now its up for an award

One of Greater Manchester’s latest additions to its growing number of trendy food halls is up for an award. The Egyptian Room in Oldham town centre has been shortlisted among just 10 projects for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) North West Awards 2026.

The street food market is set in a Grade-II listed former town hall that was once home to little more than a pigeon infestation, according to local MP Jim McMahon. But after ‘pain-staking’ restoration by BDP and HNA architects, with funding from the council, the 180-year-old building is now a ‘vibrant’ venue.

RIBA North West Jury Chair, Pablo Iglesias, Founder of Grated Apple, referenced the Egyptian Room as a ‘sensitive reinvention of heritage assets and civic buildings’.

Celebrating the acknowledgement, MP Mr McMahon said: “Oldham has remarkable history, beautiful buildings, and the foundations for a place everyone can be proud of. Very proud of the Old Town Hall, rebuilt from the dust and decay.”

The food hall opened in November 2024 after an almost decade-long renovation project that cost around £40m. Its grand interior, which fits 150 guests, six kitchens, and a bar, includes original Victorian features such as striking circular columns covered in hand-restored Egyptian-inspired tiling.

Six traders currently operate from the foodhall, including Manchester favourite Ply Pizza, a Stockport staple, the Cambodian restaurant Kambuja, and burger joint The Last Stop.

The Northern Lights Group venue has not been left untouched by the issues facing the hospitality industry at present – which is currently seeing operational costs sky-rocket while footfall continues to drop. But a trader told the LDRS that the business is doing ‘better than expected under the circumstances’.

Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council said: “We are incredibly proud to see The Egyptian Room recognised by RIBA. The transformation of the Old Town Hall into a vibrant food hall has been a key part of our regeneration ambitions, celebrating our heritage while creating new opportunities for our town centre to thrive.

“This shortlisting is a testament to the vision, partnership and hard work that has gone into bringing this historic building back to life.”

The Egyptian Room was nominated alongside Altrincham’s Foundation co-working space, Man Met’s The Dalton Building, and Rochdale Town Hall, alongside other projects outside Greater Manchester.

Tottenham have mastered the free agent market over the years, signing big names throughout the Premier League era

Tottenham Hotspur have been severely hampered by injuries this campaign, leaving them with a depleted squad as they fight to stave off relegation. They have utilised only 24 of the 25 permitted slots in their Premier League squad allowance, however, and clubs in a previous position in recent years have taken advantage of being able to sign free agents outside the transfer window.

Even without such a pressing need for reinforcements, Spurs may well wish to explore picking up a free signing or two as a means of keeping costs down during their summer rebuilding efforts. It’s a strategy that has served them admirably over the years, whether that involved adding depth to their ranks or securing players capable of making an immediate impact.

The north London club splashed out heavily in January, recruiting Conor Gallagher and Souza for a combined £48million. Results have yet to turn around, however, with the club sacking manager Thomas Frank and installing Igor Tudor as interim boss after failing to win a single league game so far in 2026.

Several Premier League players are eligible to sign pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs ahead of their contracts expiring this summer. Spurs could make their move should any of those individuals choose to run down their deals – while also remaining able to speak to out-of-contract stars from other leagues.

Whether the likes of Dusan Vlahovic, Marcos Senesi or Harry Wilson feature on their wishlist remains to be seen – and the same goes for other players out of contract this summer. Even so, fans will be well aware that Spurs have capitalised shrewdly on the free agent market in recent years.

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Ivan Perisic

During Antonio Conte’s spell in charge, Spurs moved quickly to bring in Ivan Perisic on a free transfer in the summer of 2022. A Champions League winner with Bayern Munich and Serie A champion with Inter Milan under Conte, the 33-year-old joined on a two-year deal.

The experienced Croatian had long been a target for Premier League rivals Manchester United, with Jose Mourinho desperate to bring him to England during the summer of 2017. However, Inter rebuffed the Red Devils’ approach, and it would take a further five years before the wide player finally made his way to the Premier League.

Perisic made a significant impact during his maiden season at Tottenham, but suffered an ACL injury barely a month into his second season. He joined Hajduk Split on loan in the latter half of the season before moving to PSV Eindhoven in 2024, claiming the Eredivisie title in his debut season in the Netherlands

Fraser Forster

Fraser Forster touched down just days after Perisic in June 2022, making it two free transfers in two weeks for Conte. The England international stopper signed a two-year deal in north London once his Southampton contract had officially expired and would ultimately extend his stay until 2025.

Forster made 34 Spurs appearances in total and four in the Europa League last season. He received a winner’s medal despite being absent from the final, but left weeks later and is now back on the south coast with Bournemouth.

Teddy Sheringham

Tottenham announced in May 2001 that legendary striker Teddy Sheringham would be returning, years after a first spell in which he scored 98 goals in all competitions. He had spend the intervening period at Manchester United, winning the Treble under Sir Alex Ferguson in the 1998/99 season.

Glenn Hoddle, Spurs’ manager at the time, was a huge fan and had regularly selected Sheringham at international level during a stint as England manager. This history helped Spurs secure a pre-contract agreement to bring the 35 year old back to north London when his deal at Old Trafford expired.

Spurs finished ninth and reached the League Cup final in Sheringham’s first campaign back at White Hart Lane, their strongest finish in six years. His second stint yielded 26 goals across 80 appearances, and he ultimately retired aged 42 after stints with Portsmouth, West Ham and Colchester United.

Brad Friedel

Tottenham pulled off a shrewd piece of business by snapping up experienced goalkeeper Friedel on a free transfer in June 2011. The USA legend arrived on a two-year deal after more than 100 appearances for previous club Aston Villa.

During his time at Spurs, the goalkeeper became the oldest player to appear in a Premier League fixture and was a regular as they secured fourth place under Harry Redknapp in 2011/12. He made 67 appearances for the club before hanging up his boots at the end of the 2014/15 campaign.

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The motorway was closed in both directions at Junction 8 late on February 25 due to a concern for welfare.

Lancashire Police confirmed the incident, which caused significant disruption for motorists on Wednesday night, was ‘safely resolved’.

A spokesperson for the force said: “This was a concern for welfare which was safely resolved, and the motorway was reopened after both carriageways had been closed.”

The motorway had been shut in both directions while officers dealt with the situation, with police earlier warning the closure would remain in place “for some time”.

National Highways said the incident affected both the northbound and southbound carriageways at Junction 8 and classified it as an “authority operation”.

Drivers experienced heavy traffic in the area throughout the evening as diversions were put in place.

Eyewitnesses reported vehicles blocking the hard shoulder while the closure remained in force.

The motorway reopened at around midnight.

DP World Tour star Andrea Pavan was forced to withdraw from the South African Open after reportedly suffering serious injuries in an elevator shaft accident

Two-time DP World Tour champion Andrea Pavan was forced to pull out of the South African Open after reportedly sustaining serious, but non-life-threatening, injuries in a bizarre accident. According to various sources, the Italian plummeted down an elevator shaft when the doors opened without the lift being present.

Reports suggest that the 36-year-old fell several floors and underwent hours of surgery following the incident, just days before the South African Open at Stellenbosch Golf Club, ruling him out of the tournament. Richie Ramsay stepped in to replace Pavan in the competition for the $1.5million prize pot, with the DP pro facing an extended period out as he recovers from his injuries.

A spokesperson for the DP World Tour confirmed that Pavan “withdrew due to injury” from the tournament but couldn’t provide further details due to medical confidentiality. Social media account Monday Q Info – managed by reporter Ryan French – posted to X: “Some horrible news from the DP event in South Africa. Andrea Pavan, 2-time DP winner, was badly injured in a freak accident at this week’s event.

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“According to multiple people Pavan fell down an elevator shaft after the doors opened on the floor he was on but the car itself wasn’t there. He fell multiple floors and was badly injured.

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“Although from the people I spoke with, the injuries don’t seem to be life-threatening, he was in surgery for hours. Keep Andrea and his family in your thoughts.”

Jaeck Pearson, a Czech commentator for Eurosport, confirmed that Pavan is in a stable condition. Various reports suggest the accident happened at Pavan’s private accommodation for the week rather than in the official tour lodgings.

Pavan was due to tee off in South Africa for his first DP event since finishing tied ninth at the Bahrain Championship. The 36-year-old missed the cut at the Qatar Masters, which was claimed by American Patrick Reid, who finished two shots ahead of Scotland’s Calum Hill.

The Italian has been a professional for 16 years after turning pro in 2010, and has secured two victories during that time, claiming his maiden Tour success at the D+D Czech Masters in 2018. He followed that up 12 months later by winning the BMW International Open.

Pavan had his sights set on the South African Open after missing the cut by shot in Qatar. He posted to his Instagram: “Never fun to miss the cut by 1 but it is always a pleasure to play Doha GC. The Desert swings is over early but still a positive start to the year!

“A bit of time at home before I head back out to Kenya and SA!”

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England will consider bringing in leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed for the T20 World Cup Super 8s match against New Zealand in Colombo.

England, who are already through to the semi-finals, will wait for another look at the pitch on Friday before naming their XI.

The match will be played on the same surface as New Zealand beat Sri Lanka on Wednesday, when 10 of the 15 wickets fell to spin, and England are keen to cover all options.

Bowling coach Tim Southee said he expects a “pretty scrappy” wicket.

“We’ve seen spin play such a big part here,” Southee said.

“It’s such a big ground. That doesn’t mean seamers can’t still have an impact – like [New Zealand seamer] Matt Henry last night.”

Ahmed, 21, has been a regular around England squads but has not played a T20 since the tour of Ireland last September, nor has he featured at a World Cup.

He played in the three one-day internationals against Sri Lanka last month, also held on this ground, and twice filled in as an opener.

The leg-spinner would likely replace a pace bowler if he is selected – possibly Jamie Overton.

New Zealand picked only two pace bowlers in their win over Sri Lanka, in which 30 of the 40 overs were bowled by spinners.

England would still have Jofra Archer and Sam Curran as pace bowlers, plus Adil Rashid, Liam Dawson and Will Jacks.

Jacob Bethell is yet to bowl in the tournament because of a cut on his finger. His availability to bowl would also impact England’s thinking.

The professional dancer has said she and her husband ‘still don’t know’ what the future may look like for them

Amy Dowden has said she and her husband ‘still don’t know’ what the future may look like for them and starting a family after her cancer journey.

The Strictly Come Dancing star was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and subsequently underwent chemotherapy and a mastectomy, and during her treatment, she faced a number of challenges, including a life-threatening battle with sepsis.

Amy was then told in February 2024 that there was “no evidence of disease” but in November, the professional dancer informed fans that she would be going into hospital for a second mastectomy, but made clear it wasn’t to treat a new disease, but the best course of action for her.

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In a new social media post, Amy was reflecting on her diagnosis and that of those she’s met along the way. Mentioning one in particularly, Kelly, having paid her a visit, the professional dancer shared on her Instagram Story: “Do we mourn our old bodies?

“Absolutely. I would do anything in the world to have my old body back. But the reality is I’ve had a double masectomy. It saved my life. I’m grateful to be here. I certainly don’t see it as a free boob job.”

She soon turned her attention to motherhood, as she commented: “If I’m ever lucky enough… it’s something we still don’t know… to become a mum, as you all know I really want to become a mum. I don’t know if that’s possible with having a hormone third cancer still.

“Has chemo destroyed everything? We still don’t know. We’re keeping our options open. “But I will never have the option to breastfeed. And sometimes people online are ready to attack you.” She added: “I will never judge anybody on how they are dealing with their diagnosis. Never.”

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The post on Wednesday (February 25) came as Amy announced that she’d had a room at a breast cancer centre in Kent named after her. The Amy Dowden Room has been opening at The Primrose Centre and the team expressed their delight at Amy allowing them to make the emotional move.

They shared in a social media post: “We are so incredibly grateful to Amy for her time & generosity today. Thank you for allowing us to name The Amy Dowden Room after you – your positivity is a beacon of hope to so many. We were thrilled to be able to show you around our very special support centre. Our volunteers, staff and visitors were so pleased to see you and chat! Thank you and we can’t wait to see you again! Your visit has had a big impact on our small charity!”

Sharing a look into her day officially opening the room named in her honour, Amy shared alongside a video on Instagram: “There are no words to describe how honoured and proud I am. Creating a safe , supportive, loving and understanding space for those who are affected by breast cancer!

“Thank you PRIMROSE CENTRE, you’re incredible! Forever honoured and grateful and will do all I can to help! I’m on a mission now to get more centres like this around the UK! This centre is open to all breast cancer patients #breastcancer #breastcancersupport #primrosecentre #honoured #safespace.”

What is the Motorola Signature?

Motorola has long made some of the most dependable budget smartphones on the market, but recent years have seen it showing signs of greater ambition. The Motorola Signature isn’t so much a new flagship phone as it is a rebranding of the Motorola Edge Ultra line, with a slimmed-down body.

It offers broadly high-end specifications in a distinctively styled, slim body, but with a slightly lower price tag than many rivals. Its starting price of £899.99 undercuts the iPhone Air by £100 – more if you factor in the 512GB of storage that comes as standard.

If Apple’s skinny phone appeals to you for its combination of a svelte form factor and flagship performance, but it feels a little pricey, the Motorola Signature is a worthwhile alternative.

I used the Motorola Signature every day for a week, making calls, sending messages, watching videos, taking pictures and playing games. I check things like performance and battery life. I also ran some popular benchmark tests, which placed definitive numbers on the phone’s CPU (central processing unit) and GPU (graphics processing unit) output to compare with rivals.

I captured more than 100 photographs across its four cameras, from night time street photography to day time urban shots and close-up portraits.

I have used most of the Motorola Signature’s key rivals, so I was able to make like-for-like comparisons. I previously tested the phone’s predecessor, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, so was able to judge how much Motorola had managed to refine its flagship formula in the two years (give or take) since the latter phone was released.

Score: 4.5/5

They were arrested outside Camp Beagle

Two people have been arrested outside an animal rights protest camp in Cambridgeshire. A man and a woman were arrested on Tuesday, February 24, at Camp Beagle for allegedly stopping vehicles entering a site.

The woman, 22, and man, 29, both of no address, were arrested just after 2pm on Tuesday on suspicion of interference with the use of public infrastructure. Both have been released on bail until May 24 pending further enquiries.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police said: “A 22-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man, both of no known address, were arrested at just after 2pm on 24 February on suspicion of interference with the use of public infrastructure (stopping vehicles entering the site). Both have been released on bail until 24 May pending further enquiries.”

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