Two planning applications have been submitted to turn what is described as a “challenging” area of Manchester city centre into a “vibrant neighbourhood”.
As part of the masterplan to “progress the vision” for the city’s emerging Red Bank neighbourhood, Far East Consortium (FEC) – the developer behind Manchester’s Victoria North joint venture partnership with Manchester City Council – has this week submitted ambitious plans to transform over 30 acres of largely brownfield site into a thriving community.
These new plans include 4,800 new homes, alongside a range of commercial and social facilities
Developers say the plans represent “one of the largest residential planning applications” to come forward in Manchester in recent years.
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Plans submitted to turn ‘challenging’ area of Manchester city centre into ‘vibrant neighbourhood’ / Credit: FEC
The planning submissions are said to have followed an “extensive design and consultation process” to develop a masterplan for the neighbourhood centred on FEC’s ‘Wild Urbanism concept’ – which the developer says prioritises green space, biodiversity, active travel, and public realm alongside city centre living.
Initial plans propose up to 3,250 of the new homes and more than 160,000 sq ft of non-residential floor space – including commercial uses, a health centre, primary school, residential amenities, and community spaces – while detailed plans have also been submitted for three plots on Dantzic Street, which is adjacent to FEC’s 634-home Victoria Riverside scheme.
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This proposed scheme of 1,550 homes would see seven buildings varying in height between six and 34 storeys constructed – with a mix of one, two, and three-bed apartments and townhouses that developers say cater for “a diverse mix” of people and of type and tenure of home, including build to rent (BTR), affordable, and open market sale.
Away from the residential offering, the outline proposals also include the creation of new public realm with “extensive areas” of landscaping, greenspace, and wetlands aimed at supporting a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain across the neighbourhood.
Existing artist impression images of the wider Red Bank regeneration project / Credit: FEC
While the detailed proposals also include a new high street, including 20,000 sq ft of commercial and retail space “earmarked” for local independent businesses.
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Again, “extensive landscaping” would be carried out on Dantzic Street and Dalton Street – with tree planting, resurfacing, widened footpaths, and new cycle lanes.
Hilary Brett, project director at FEC, called Red Bank is a “unique area of the city”, and said there is “huge opportunity to enhance what already exists” and to create “a vibrant neighbourhood” with these newly-submitted plans.
Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, added: “This area at the edge of the city centre is a challenging prospect, but these planning applications are part of an ambitious vision for this new neighbourhood and community, bringing thousands of new homes, investment and life to a part of Manchester that has been underused for many years.”
Featured Image – FEC
Property
UK’s biggest property show is coming to Manchester and needs house hunters for new series
Emily Sergeant
Are you looking to move but finding the house hunting process a lot harder than you thought it would be?
Well, this could be the helping hand you need.
The UK’s biggest property show, Location, Location, Location – which has been a fixture in Channel 4’s schedule for more than 20 years at this point – is looking for house hunters from across Manchester for the new series.
First airing all the way back in 2000, if you’ve never seen Location, Location, Location, it’s fronted by presenters and property experts Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer who head all across the UK to help buyers in search for their dream home.
Despite being on our TV screens for 26 years at this point, Kirstie and Phil have never tired in their efforts to match the nation’s hopeful house hunters with their perfect home.
For its next series being filmed this May, Channel 4 are now looking for individuals, families, and couples from Greater Manchester who need Kirstie and Phil’s expertise to find their next home.
The UK’s biggest property show is coming to Manchester and needs house hunters for its new series / Credit: James Feaver (via Unsplash)
Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, first timer buyers, or looking for a forever home, Channel 4 wants to hear from you.
“We are casting for the new series, and we are interested in hearing from chain free (or SSTC) house hunters who would be ready to buy in May this year,” a spokesperson for Channel 4 said as the casting call was announced.
“Applications are now open and we’re looking for individuals, families and couples who need Kirstie and Phil’s expertise to buy their dream home.”
Anyone interested in appearing on Location, Location, Location can apply on the Channel 4 website here.
Applications will be received by a member of IWC Media and they will contact you directly if they wish to take your it any further.
Featured Image – Channel 4 (Supplied)
Property
Inside the regal Cheshire home for sale on one of Britain’s most expensive roads
Emily Sergeant
A stunning detached family home on one of Britain’s most expensive roads is currently on the market over in Cheshire.
In case you hadn’t heard, a recent report by The Times has revealed where you’ll find Britain’s top 20 most expensive roads for 2026, based off Rightmove data, and Congleton Road in Alderley Edge – slap bang in the middle of Cheshire’s iconic ‘Golden Triangle’ – has appeared in the top five most expensive outside of London.
So we snooped around to see what your money (… or your hypothetical money, at least) can get you on this street, and came across a regal residence currently for sale for a whopping £4.95 million.
This is Highclere – a six-bedroom detached family home occupying a private plot of over 1.3 acres and enjoying panoramic views across the adjoining Cheshire countryside.
This is Highclere – a stunning family home on one of Britain’s most expensive roads / Credit: Andrew J Nowell
Approached behind electric gates, and set back along a sweeping driveway, estate agents say Highclere has been ‘carefully and tastefully’ renovated by the current owners.
It now offers ‘spacious and versatile’ accommodation, and benefits from being within easy reach of Alderley Edge village centre and all the amenities it’s known and loved for.
Some of the stand-out features include an impressive reception hall with large sweeping staircase, open living kitchen with a large central island, large bedrooms, and a full leisure suite with a pool, jacuzzi, steam room, and showers.
There’s also a dedicated bar area, a games room, cinema room, and a gym.
Upstairs is where you’ll find what is described as the ‘unparallelled’ principal bedroom suite with two large dressing rooms, its own living area, en-suite bathroom, and a powder room, as well as four other large bedrooms.
Just as you’d expect, the outside of Highclere is as impressive as the inside.
The property is set within a private plot of over 1.3 acres enjoying panoramic views / Credit: Andrew J Nowell
Not only are there expansive terraced lawns with mature trees and shrubs and two large courtyards perfect for outdoor entertaining, but there is also a large driveway providing off-road parking for multiple vehicles and a detached double garage converted into annexe accomodation.
This property is currently on the market with Alderley Edge-based independent estate agents, Andrew J Nowell, for a Guide Price of £4.95 million, and if you fancy taking a closer look, then you can contact the agents to arrange a viewing.
Or you could just take the cheaper route instead and have a nosy at the Rightmove link here.
Emily Sergeant -
10th May 2023 
