Plans to build a community of new sustainable homes overlooking Greater Manchester’s historic canals have been submitted this week.
‘Manchester Waters‘ is the newest project from waterside regeneration specialists, Peel Waters.
Located between The Bridgewater Canal and The Manchester Ship Canal, the proposed one, two, and three-bedroom build-to-rent apartments form part of the company’s collection of “vibrant and innovative” waterfront developments all across the UK, and will uniquely offer every future resident a stunning home with a waterfront view.
Split across two buildings that overlook both historic canals, developers say health, wellness, access to nature, and spaces to socialise in are all at the forefront of the proposals.
A communal rooftop terrace will provide exceptional views onto the Manchester Ship Canal, and a “welcoming” residents’ courtyard garden will offer extra outdoor space to relax in, while a dedicated residents-only gym and on-site yoga studio is set to be just one of many amenities.
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Plans have been submitted for 159 new homes overlooking Manchester’s historic canals / Credit: Peel L&P
Sustainability is said to be “at the heart” of the design of the two residential buildings.
As well as adopting a fabric-first approach with the aim of reducing carbon emissions, heat pumps and solar panels will be installed to generate energy on site, and will also be complemented by a heat recovery system to make the buildings “highly efficient”.
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Active travel options will be encouraged at the development as it will have secure on-site cycle parking hubs, and a ‘car club’ with dedicated EV charging points in each space.
James Whittaker, who is the Executive Director for Peel Waters, has called the submission of plans for the new Manchester development an “exciting step”.
Sustainability is said to be “at the heart” of the proposed residential development / Credit: Peel L&P
“Waterside living in the UK comes with many benefits that enhance quality of life and wellness,” he explained, “and our proposed homes will celebrate their waterfront location as well as delivering much needed new, sustainable, quality housing in the area in addition to providing the next section of new improved pedestrian and cycle links between Manchester and MediaCity.
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“Alongside creating new homes, the proposals represent a significant investment into the local area, which will create new jobs, apprenticeships and local employment opportunities throughout the construction stage.”
The 159 proposed homes will form part of a wider Manchester Waters masterplan to regenerate the Brownfield site – which has been largely vacant for more than two decades – and developers say it will bring “much-needed quality homes” to the area.
As part of the proposals, Peel will be making a contribution equivalent to 20% affordable housing within Trafford, and a further contribution will be made towards improving green spaces in the local area too.
Featured Image – Peel L&P
Property
The plans to build 107 new homes in Manchester city centre – including affordable housing
Daisy Jackson
A new community of homes – including affordable housing – is on the way to Manchester city centre.
Fresh new images have been unveiled of Ferrous, a brand-new 107-home rental scheme that will be built in Piccadilly East later this year.
The new development from Capital&Centric will include 15% affordable housing, as well as a new pocket park.
The new scheme is partly thanks to a £1.6m investment from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, which will see a previously underused brownfield site regenerated.
The site near Manchester Piccadilly was previously owned by Transport for Greater Manchester.
Although the planning consent didn’t require an affordable housing, Capital&Centric has committed to delivering around 15% of the new homes as affordable.
Alongside the pocket park, there’ll be a small kiosk designed as a launchpad for an independent food or drink operator.
Piccadilly East was named by The Sunday Times as one of the UK’s most up-and-coming places to live, thanks to developments like Crusader Mill and Neptune Mill, plus the landmark ‘Jenga’ Leonardo Hotel.
Tom Wilmot, Joint Managing Director at Capital&Centric, said: “The GMCA funding is helping unlock new homes on a challenging city centre site while allowing us to deliver affordable homes as part of the scheme.
“We’ve also carved out space for greenery and an independent operator because small pockets of public space make a massive difference. In a post-industrial city you have to go big on planting. Kampus showed that and we want to create a mini version here.”
Construction on Ferrous is expected to start later this year with completion anticipated in 2028.
Plans submitted for ‘substantial’ refurbishment of historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub
Daisy Jackson
Plans have been submitted for an extensive refurb of the legendary Sir Ralph Abercromby pub in the heart of Manchester.
Gary Neville’s Relentless Developments has applied to restore the pub in a way that ‘honours the building’s heritage’.
It will be integrated into the wider £400m St Michael’s development, which now towers above the 19th century bar.
The proposals include a substantial refurbishment of window frames, brickwork, and external doors (or replacements where necessary), as well as a glassed walkway that will link the pub with the 43-storey tower next door.
That huge new tower will soon be home to the W Hotel and W Residences, with other names within the development including Chotto Matte, Grind, and Circolo Poppolare.
The Bootle Street boozer has long-been one of Manchester’s most iconic pubs, and was the subject of a local petition during the early stages of the St Michael’s development planning.
After locals rallied around to save the pub, the Sir Ralph Abercromby was factored into the Relentless Developments plans.
And now it’s time for its new chapter, with works commencing in the coming months, subject to planning approval.
It’s hoped the work on the pub will complete by summer 2027.
Gary Neville, Director at Relentless Developments, commented: “The Sir Ralph Abercromby is one of Manchester’s most treasured pubs and an important part of the city’s social fabric.
“A big part of our ambition for St Michael’s has been to celebrate Manchester’s heritage and restoring this iconic building is central to that vision.
“Our proposals carefully retain and enhance the features that give the pub its character while sensitively integrating it into the wider St Michael’s scheme.
“We’re proud the pub has been able to remain open throughout construction and this next phase will secure its future for generations to come – ensuring it continues to serve the community while sitting confidently alongside a truly world-class development.”
Emily Sergeant -
27th October 2023 
