October 6, 2007 11:24

Manchester street to be renamed after Tony Wilson

Factory Records boss to be honoured in city centre

A street in Manchester’s city centre is set to be re-named to honour Factory Records legend Tony Wilson.

Whitworth Street West, the address of the Hacienda the label used to run, could be called Tony Wilson Way, Anthony H Wilson Way or Wilson Street West from next year under plans being considered by the city council.

Wilson died in August this year, aged 57, after battling cancer.

The tribute to the label boss responsible for signing the likes of Joy Division and Happy Mondays – who was also one of Manchester’s most vocal proponents – must be approved by two thirds of the residents who live on the street, the Manchester Evening News reports.

A council spokesperson told the paper that the renaming – an idea suggested by two of Wilson’s children – could be done by next spring.

"We need two thirds of people to agree but I have gone round all the blocks and I am confident people will want to make history on that street," they explained.

Additionally Wilson is being honoured by his home town with councillors set to agree next week to have his name etched into the town hall alongside 75 other honorary freeman.

Normally this honour is only bestowed on a person while they are alive, but a special exception will be made in this case.

Meanwhile Peter Saville, the designer behind Factory Records’ most iconic sleeves, is leading plans to set up a Wilson Academy in the city to work with local children on arts and music projects.