Trafford Council have recently approved plans for another batch of new waterside apartments just down from Pomona Wharf as part of the ever-growing Manchester Waters residential complex.
Situated between the Bridgewater and Manchester Ship Canals, and spearheaded by waterside regeneration specialists Peel Waters — who have already delivered multiple projects between Manchester city centre and Salford Quays — the firm is set to add 159 new homes to the development.
The sustainable new one, two and three-bed apartments will balance a level of luxury with sustainability, as Peel Waters will also be making a financial contribution equivalent to 20% affordable housing within Trafford and further contributions will be put towards green spaces and schools in the local area.
Now these are the kinds of things we like to hear with new developments.
Continuing to take shape on Pomona Strand between the tram stop of the same name and Cornbrook back towards Castlefield, much of the land is currently unused and overgrown along the Waterways Avenue stretch, so Manchester Waters saw the opportunity to expand with further blocks.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, it isn’t just a case of snapping another plot and building up; health, wellness, access to nature and spaces to socialise are said to be at the forefront of Peel’s residential development at Manchester Waters and they hope to knit into the surrounding area rather than take over it.
As per a press release, “a communal rooftop terrace located above the entrance to the site will offer residents exceptional views onto the Manchester Ship Canal and a vibrant and welcoming residents’ courtyard garden will offer extra outdoor space for residents to relax in.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Beyond that, the new apartments will also feature a waterside yoga studio and gym, the aforementioned rooftop terrace and ‘sensory’ courtyard garden, as well as sustainable design with solar panels, a heat recovery system, cycle parking spaces for each flat within a secure hub, as well as individual parking spaces with dedicated EV charging points through a residents-only car club.
Peel Waters is also set to add the next sections of two new waterfront pedestrian and cycle routes which will be created along the two canals, providing enhanced connectivity and waterside paths for residents, commuters and the wider community — not to mention all of these existing transport links nearby.
By the looks of things, this particular location within Manchester (designed by local AHR architects) is set to be one of the most connected and accessible when it comes to travelling into the city centre, MediaCity and beyond.
ADVERTISEMENT
And, as mentioned, large chunks of Pomona Strand and the surrounding area are currently derelict with no real access for locals to enjoy as an outdoor space, so with much of it having been vacant for the best of 20 years, it’s just good to see the brownfield site being further regenerated with more quality housing.
The official completion date of the development is still yet to be slated but with Peel currently working on multiple apartments and other projects along the canal and around Trafford, we’re excited to see what the waterside will look like over the next few years.
Plans to build tower next to Manchester’s historic Britons Protection pub scrapped
Danny Jones
Punters, rejoice: plans to build a large apartment tower next to Manchester’s Britons Protection pub have reportedly been scrapped after a long, drawn-out process and widespread protests.
What a relief.
One of the city’s oldest boozers, the Britons Protection was due to be dwarfed by a large development reaching 26 storeys tall, which not only would have encroached on the cultural landmark and storied watering hole, but also blocked out its popular beer garden to the rear.
We’ve seen a similar loss of outdoor drinking space with the recent St Michael’s development, which has essentially removed the equally historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub – though it is at least getting a refurb – but in truth, the ‘Protect the Protection’ fight has been going on much longer.
As per a notice published on Manchester City Council’s website this week, it now appears that the plans for 72 new flats have been cancelled, with developers Arrowsmith Management having officially withdrawn their application.
Run by Bahraini businessman Mohamed Abbas Haji, the company is now said to be reassessing its options for the ‘Apex Tower’ proposals.
Speaking to the BBC, Mark Brennan – who took over the pub back in January 2025 – said: “I’m quite happy to be honest, a lot of people say the pub might be busier with more people about, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to people coming in here.”
“It would have looked horrendous… It’s Grade II-listed, so the pub should always be here. It wouldn’t have been a good look, having a big ugly building on top of our building.”
Countless Mancunians have echoed the sentiment over the past few years, with appeals dating back to post-pandemic and a big awareness push in 2021.
Standing for more than two centuries and holding countless awards, it was never going to go quietly.
It also happens to be quite comfortably on our list of the cosiest pubs in Manchester and has been since day dot.
Anyone who’s been in will know the sense of a warm welcome the place always puts out, and we’re overjoyed to hear that years of petitions and campaigning to save it have paid off.
These stories don’t always end with the right outcome (not often enough, anyway), so we’ll definitely be raising a glass to the Britons Protected this weekend.
Unfortunately, we do still have some other sad news from the hospitality sector, as our oldest Manc publican has passed away at a fellow favourite pub.
When it comes to those incredible facilities, we’re talking a gym, a yoga studio, three outdoor terraces with views across the city, study spaces, a private dining room, a gaming lounge, and free laundry. Not to mention a coffee lounge with free tea, coffee, and breakfast cereals.
They truly have thought of everything to allow students to thrive and make the most of the Manchester life, including running social events, co-working spaces, and mental health support.
This is Fusion Manchester’s brand new state-of-the-art student accommodation in Deansgate / Credit: Darren Robinson Photography (Supplied)
And as for the location? Well that’s just the cherry on top.
Fusion Manchester is nestled in the heart of Deansgate, making it less than a five-minute walk to Deansgate Train Station or tram stop, as well as being in prime proximity to the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University which are both around 20 minutes away on foot – ideal when you’re running late for a class.
It also could not be in a better spot for making plans on the weekends with new friends, as it’s just a stones-throw away from some of the best cafes, restaurants, concert and retail spaces that Manchester has to offer.
The rooms boast incredible panoramic views / Credit: Darren Robinson Photography (Supplied)
All residents’ rent covers their utilities, superfast Wi-Fi, free laundry, regular housekeeping and access to shared facilities, as well as the building having a 24/7 reception, secure fob entry, and CCTV throughout, to keep students feeling nice and safe.
Rooms range from en-suite accommodations at £265 per week, to classic, premium, or deluxe studios from £345 per week – but hurry, as they’re booking up fast and it’s not hard to see why.
Danny Jones -
8th March 2024 
