Latest news with #FredDone
ITV News
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- ITV News
New Youth Zone could be 'the next Salford Lads Club' says bosses
ITV News' Andrew Fletcher went along to the opening of Salford Youth Zone. A £13m youth zone could become a modern-day Salford Lads Club for the city's young people, bosses say. Salford Youth Zone, on Belvedere Road in Pendleton, held a launch party to mark its opening on Saturday 5 July. Eddie Hearn, Fred Done, and Salford's mayor, Paul Dennett, all attended the event to support the project. Salford Youth Zone is now the largest youth club in Greater Manchester, and located in one of the city region's poorest area. It's hoped it will be a place in the city where young people can feel safe and enjoy themselves while learning new skills and taking part in new activities. Those aged eight to 19 are welcome to get involved, and those up to 25 with additional needs. Membership for young people is free, with a 50p charge per session. More than 2,500 people have already joined up and shared their thoughts on how the Youth Zone should operate. Lacey Wrightson and Carter Gregg, both aged 16, have been part of creating Salford Youth Zone through a development group. Lacey said: 'I think it's going to help everyone, not just this generation but future generations as well. "We helped design the logo and how the place would look... like the interior of the building and the colour of the walls." Carter added: 'It's a challenge for young people being in this generation because of Covid hitting and being locked away from everything. 'This is a new way for them to explore, find who they want to be and what they want to do, and keep away from being on the streets, with crime, drugs and all that.' Adam Farricker is leading the work as chief executive of Empower Youth Zones, the charity overseeing the project. Adam said Salford Youth Zone could have as big an impact on the city as the historic Salford Lads Club. He said: 'We hope to be able to say that in 100 years we look back and look at the same heritage and impact that Salford Lads Club has had. 'I know there will be thousands and thousands of children benefitting from this place.' Salford Youth Zone was brought to life with the backing of the Betfred founder Fred Done family along with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and Salford council. Fred Done was born in Salford, near where Salford Youth Zone stands. He said: 'Everyone has got behind it, this is for the kids of Salford, they need a break and this is what we've done for them, I'm just so proud to be here and being able to do this for them. 'The most important thing in all this is giving kids a break, the country is on its knees at the moment politically and financially, but this shows hope, hope is the future for these kids, that' what we're trying to do for them.' Salford Youth Zone members can use facilities including an outdoor football pitch, fully equipped gym, climbing wall, dance studio, music and recording studio, training kitchen, and art workshop. There will also be access to free meals, employability skills workshops, and trusted adults to talk to. Funders include local authorities, individuals, the business community, and grants. Joe Amos, 40, is the head of youth work at Salford Youth Zone. He said young people in the city are facing several barriers, including a lack of opportunities and struggles with mental health. He said: 'It's going to make a massive difference to young people in Salford, it's providing somewhere for them to go that's safe with a trusted person to talk to. 'It's gonna make sure young people stay off the streets, engage in positive activities, and really look at improving their opportunities for life and their future.' Salford Youth Zone leaders hope the site will help thousands of young people in Manchester and Salford to find their passion and purpose. The site will be open seven days a week, 52 weeks of the year, for young people to access in their leisure time whenever schools are closed, including during school holidays. Salford mayor Paul Dennett said: 'An investment in young people is an investment in a community's future, and Salford Youth Zone is a fantastic addition to both the city of Salford and Greater Manchester as a whole. 'Empower's success with HideOut Youth Zone has shown how life-changing youth work is, and we're extremely proud to support the team as they create a future where every young person can grow and succeed.' Adam Farricker added: 'In a city where too many young people lack access to a safe, supportive environment, this facility will be a hub for these young people to grow and break down barriers. 'Having been to youth services myself, I know first-hand how life changing they can be – I'm proud to be extending this opportunity to thousands more young people. 'Every young person deserves the chance to thrive, and Salford Youth Zone will help make that possible.'
The Sun
18-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
I placed £1.50 bet on digital slot machine and came out £11.5MILLION richer… there's a touching way I'll splash the cash
A SCAFFOLDER has revealed the heartwarming way he plans to spend a whopping £11.5 million fortune that he won playing online slots. Placing a bet of just £1.50 Arron Freeman, 44, won the biggest payout ever recorded in Betfred's 58-year history. 5 5 5 The dad-of-two has now revealed the heartwarming way he plans to spend his newfound fortune. After his life changing win on Thursday June 5 Arron said he wanted to build a homeless shelter. The kindhearted owner of ASL Scaffolding plans to use the millions he won on the online slot game "Mega Moolah" to help the less fortunate. Arron won after opening an account following a family night out and giving the online casino a go with a small £1.50 stake. He says that he only played the game on the recommendation of his partner. After scooping his massive prize Betfred founder Fred Done called Arron to offer his congratulations and invited him to Old Trafford as his guest. Arron said: 'It's still sinking in, but it was class of Fred to phone me. He told me to look after my cash and that is my plan. "I'm looking forward to meeting Fred at a Manchester United home game. Hopefully, we will both celebrate if the reds win. 'I've been a horse racing punter my whole life and hit the crossbar a few times with some of my accas but obviously never hit the jackpot like this. "It was the missus' idea that we gave the casino a go and we certainly got lucky. I love racing so I will still have a bet on the horses, but it will still be my normal small stakes.' The scaffolder's record breaking payout is more than twice the previous biggest Betfred win. Lottery player 'illegally' banned from taking $83.5m win over loophole even though she played by the rules, lawyer says Michael Clark from Newcastle scooped £5.4 million in 2023 setting a record at the time that has now been smashed by Arron's big win. Arron was not named in a press statement released shortly after his massive jackpot win. But he has since decided to sell his story in a bid to raise more cash to build a homeless shelter. Speaking to the Eastern Daily Press, Mr Freeman said: "I am in shock, but I am not gonna say too much at the minute. 5 5 Taking home a total of £11,498,211.89 Arron hopes to do some good with his stroke of fortune. He is currently in a relationship with TikToker Kelly Dighton who shares daily updates on her progress as a recovering addict. Kelly is currently more than 100 days clean according to her TikTok account. Arron posted to social media in April, gushing with pride, in support of his partner. He won his windfall of cash through the Mega Moolah safari-themed online jackpot slot game. It boasts five reels and 25 paylines with a minimum bet of 25p per spin.
Forbes
20-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Nobu Hospitality Has Announced Its First UK Residential Project
Nobu brings its world-class hospitality to Manchester. getty Nobu Hospitality is expanding to the North West of England with the UK's first-ever Nobu Residences. The development is set to transform Manchester with the introduction of Nobu Hotel Manchester, restaurant and luxury apartments, all housed in 76-story tower building—the tallest outside London, which will stand at 807 feet and tower over the famed Deansgate Square South Tower. Partnering with Salboy, the £360 million ($466.5 million) development will feature 160 hotel rooms, sophisticated event spaces and a signature Nobu restaurant and bar, each reflecting the brand's signature minimalist design. In addition, 452 Nobu residences will mark the brand's launch into the UK's luxury real estate market. 'We are proud to include Manchester in our global collection, with its vibrant culture and growing global status. Strong partnerships are essential to our success, and with Salboy, Fred Done, and Simon Ismail, we have the best-in-class partners with a solid reputation and a world-renowned vision,' said Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality. 'Having grown up in the area, I am personally immensely proud of this project in a city that continues its evolution as a global destination for luxury hospitality. Manchester is home to world-class developments, a thriving culinary scene, and a growing demand for high-end lifestyle experiences. None of our locations are cookie cutter; we wholeheartedly embrace the spirit of each destination. We are delighted to be working with Salboy to blend the Nobu experience with the essence of Manchester.' The much-anticipated development will allow the city's residents to live the Nobu lifestyle. Luxury apartments are set to feature refined design with thoughtful Japanese details, premium amenities—including Nobu dining and room service—an exclusive swimming pool, spa, podium garden and gym, as well as unparalleled access to the bustling city through a dedicated experience concierge team. In the restaurant, guests will experience Chef Nobu's world-renowned cuisine that has 'influenced dining across the globe,' according to Fred Done, Co-founder of Salboy & Betfred. "This [$466.5 million] deal for Nobu Manchester will take the city to new heights in terms of service, cuisine, and experience,' he continued. 'As the original innovator in fine dining, Chef Nobu popularized a blend of cuisines in exciting new ways, leaving a lasting influence on every modern restaurant you see today.' Nobu Hospitality opened its first hotel, Nobu Hotel Las Vegas, inside Caesars Palace in 2013. Since then, the brand has launched over 35 hotels. In 2023, its first residence opened in Los Cabos.
