Developers Peel L&P have unveiled early proposals for an eventual £1 billion redevelopment of Pomona Island in Trafford.
Following a period of public consultation, the revamped masterplan – which is said to cover almost 25 acres of currently-underdeveloped Brownfield land – would transform around 60% of the masterplan area for public usage, as well as open space to help “promote active lifestyles and the natural beauty of the waterfront site” – which is surrounded by both the Manchester Ship Canal and the Bridgewater Canal.
The plans feature around 2,700 homes – including apartments and townhouses – as well as a leisure and commercial space, which would be built on the remaining land.
Plans were also submitted for a 162-home private rent scheme at Pomona Wharf last week.
On top of the residential redevelopments, Peel L&P has also said that there’ll be a network of new footpaths and cycleways that would help to connect the site, with easy access to Metrolink stops at Pomona Island and Cornbrook interchange located at the site too, which would help to promote “sustainable travel”.
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Peel L&P said the 15-year proposals follow the original 2020 masterplan, which was then agreed by Trafford Council.
They also “form the basis” of an outline planning application to be submitted in spring 2022.
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But, the crown jewel of the plans and what is sure to be the most intriguing element for local residents, is that the regeneration would be centred around a 5.2-acre waterfront park and new public access to a mile-long stretch of waterfront.
Developers Peel L&P have unveiled early proposals for an eventual £1 billion redevelopment of Pomona Island in Trafford / Credit: Peel L&P
Ideas for re-using land under the railway arches also form part of the proposals, and include plans to create outdoor sports facilities and play areas.
A range of public consultation events on the plans is expected early next year.
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“Nestled between two famous canals, Manchester Waters has one of the most unique locations out of any our Peel Waters regenerations schemes,” explained James Whittaker, Executive Director for Development at Peel L&P.
“We’ve taken that into careful consideration to develop a green vision for the site which will go to public consultation early next year.
“This vision has nature at its heart by improving public access to the beautiful canals with a new park and open spaces bringing many health and wellbeing benefits to residents, commuters and families.
“The masterplan also supports Trafford Council’s wider housing strategy and its excellent connectivity to Manchester, Trafford and Salford brings many exciting opportunities to create a really special place for a thriving new waterfront community with access to new and improved sustainable travel routes.”
Cllr James Wright – Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration – added: “This exciting masterplan supports a number of our commitments including the building of more homes and developing a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly future for our communities.”
Featured Image – Peel L&P
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Stockport man jailed for life after kidnapping and sexually assaulting teenage girl
Emily Sergeant
A Stockport man has been sentenced to life in prison after kidnapping and sexually assaulting a teenage girl on her way home from the library.
Paul Sharpe has been sentenced to life imprisonment with an eight-year minimum term in prison after being convicted of a number of offences when subjected a teenage girl to what police called a ‘terrifying ordeal’ that lasted several hours back in May 2026.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that the victim had been studying at Sale Library before beginning her journey home with friends at around 5:50pm and contacting her parents at 6:10pm to let them know she was on her way.
Twenty minutes later, she spoke to her boyfriend on the phone and said she was approximately five minutes away from home, but that her phone battery was about to die.
This was the last contact received from the victim that evening.
While walking along Bradgate Road in Altrincham, the victim noticed a grey Ford parked nearby and a man wearing a high-visibility jacket pressing doorbells in the area.
As she walked past, Sharpe approached her from behind, placed her in a headlock and threatened to stab her if she did not get into his vehicle.
Concerned that their daughter had not returned home, the victim’s family contacted police at 9:22pm to report her missing, and officers immediately launched an investigation to locate her.
Over the next several hours, the victim was subjected to and placed in a number of terrifying situations.
Sharpe drove the victim to several locations across Greater Manchester and Cheshire, before police located and arrested him at around 3:40am on 19 May 2026.
Following his arrested, 56-year-old Sharpe was convicted of kidnap, committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence, sexual assault, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, threats with a bladed article, and administering a noxious substance with intent to injure, annoy or aggrieve.
“This was a terrifying ordeal for a young girl who was simply making her way home,” explained Detective Inspector Karl Perry, from GMP’s Criminal Investigation Department.
“Sharpe targeted a vulnerable victim, subjected her to hours of fear and intimidation, and went on to sexually assault her.
“The victim has shown immense courage throughout the investigation and court proceedings. Through her bravery and actions, she no doubt made it harder for Sharpe to carry out whatever acts he had planned.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Major pop star crowns humble rice and three cafe as ‘Jewel of Manchester’ ahead of sold-out gig
Thomas Melia
A beloved city centre takeaway has been given the title of ‘Jewel of Manchester’ by chart-topping UK singer Sam Smith.
Known for hits like ‘Stay With Me’, ‘I’m Not The Only One’ and more recently ‘Unholy’, UK pop-ballad act Sam Smith also likes to drop a food review every once in a while.
Currently on the road with a run of shows in Manchester and London for their ‘To Be Free’ live shows, Sam Smith is stopping off at some of our city’s much-loved spots.
On their food-reviewing account titled ‘Sam Served’, where they adopt the aptly-fitting nickname ‘Ham Smith’, Sam has visited restaurants across the globe – and most recently turned their attention to Manchester’s own This & That.
Smith decided to pop in and grab a cheeky rice and three from long-standing backstreet food business This & That, and it certainly went down a treat.
After sampling their amazing selection of meat, vegetable and vegan curries, the musician crowned this family-run Indian takeaway a ‘Jewel of Manchester’.
The hitmaker described this Northern Quarter Indian eatery as ‘Everything food should be’ and definitely enjoyed all the curries on offer ‘leaving belly and heart full’.
This & That prides itself on affordable and comforting food with its ‘Rice and Three Curries’ starting from just £6 – not bad for a city centre foodie spot.
Sam has racked up an impressive 490k followers via their ‘Sam Served’ profile, with famous faces like Lily Allen, Denise Welch and CMAT all wanting to know the superstar’s foodie thoughts.
After enjoying a curry or three, Sam Smith also made sure to feed their soul to by venturing down to Afflecks and getting lost in the music at Mars Tapes.
Recognised as one of the UK’s only cassette and tape shops, Mars Tapes lets you flick through their crates of physical media and even preview tracks before you buy with its dedicated listening areas.
It’s safe to say that Smith has ‘Latched’ onto Manchester’s independent business scene and we’re here for it.
The London-born artist has just released their latest album Hazel Eyes and is currently amid a UK residency tour with two dates in Manchester’s Albert Hall and eight shows set for London Coliseum.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd December 2021 
