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
Manchester United announce plans for first permanent fan zone at Old Trafford
Danny Jones
Manchester United have revealed the first glimpse at a brand-new fan zone at Old Trafford – the first permanent one of its kind at the ground.
Dubbed ‘The Paddock’ in a nod to the club’s history, the official Man United supporter park is due to open later this year.
Set to be fully unveiled just metres from the Stretford End, the aim is to make it “the closest place to the stadium to enjoy great local food, drink, and lively entertainment.”
The new addition comes after recent consultations with regular season ticket holders who want a dedicated and club-sanctioned space to enjoy themselves before, during and after fixtures.
As you can see from the brief look we’ve now gotten at the fan park, which will be able to hold approximately 1,300 Reds, The Paddock will revolve around food and drink – including some self-service bars – as well as space for live music and other entertainment.
We know the above image is only a little artist’s mock-up, but you can picture local grassroots musicians who support the team being given the opportunity to play the stage, etc.
Rick McGagh, Director of Fan Engagement at United, said: “We’re delighted that in partnership with Levy, we have implemented a wide range of changes to enhance matchdays, bringing greater choice and better service for supporters across the stadium – something fans have told us they want.”
An official statement goes on to read that “the proposed fan zone is the latest example of our continued investment in the atmosphere, fan experience and facilities at Old Trafford, while progressing plans for a new world-class stadium.”
Speaking of which, we recently got more details on where exactly ‘New Trafford’ (not a confirmed title, just FYI) will sit in relation to the existing Theatre of Dreams.
Wharfside will look VERY different in the years to come.
Obviously, all of this news comes as somewhat temporary by default given that we now know the vision of Man United’s new stadium is finally starting to move forward.
However, it is nevertheless good news for matchgoers looking for places to spend extended periods near the venue when going to a game.
At present, this is all still subject to full planning permission, but with former Old Trafford Regeneration Taskforce Members and Greater Manchester Mayor turned Prime Minister Andy Burnham now at the helm, you’d expect something like this to pass through smoothly and quickly.
With an autumn opening date currently set for the opening of The Paddock, it will be interesting to see how well-attended it is given some of the recent sentiments and frustrations surrounding many of the most loyal and dedicated Man United fans.
In case you missed it, even a six-year-old kid and former mascot has seen his ticket restricted due to the attempted crackdown on touts. 😬
Featured Images — Publicity picture (via Manchester United FC)/The Manc Group
Property
Two unique North West homes named among most-viewed on Rightmove so far in 2026
Emily Sergeant
Rightmove has released a list of its most-viewed homes currently for sale in 2026, and two of them are in the North West.
Not only that, but they are two unique properties that we’ve actually featured before.
With the first half of the year now over and summer well underway, the leading property platform took the time to revisit the properties that attracted the most clicks from home-hunters so far in 2026, and it’s seems like it’s not just the mega mansions catching people’s eye (although there are a few of them too).
From a £200,000 cliff-top cottage built for a famous novelist, to a £20 million Gothic mansion, and everything in between, this year’s most-viewed homes span every corner of the market.
According to Rightmove, while the properties vary ‘enormously’ in price, they are united by their standout unusual features that make them impossible to scroll past.
This eclectic Victorian villa is on the market in a leafy Manchester suburb / Credit: Jamie Burke – eXp (via Rightmove)
The first property on the list in the North West is one that has proved very popular with our readers when we first shared it back in early 2025 – it’s this eclectic red-brick Victorian villa on the market in a sought-after Manchester suburb that’s undergone some extensive renovations over the last decade to make it the stunning property it is today.
Built in 1885 and on the market currently for £1.44m (Offers Over), the house sits among a number of grand villas built around Alexandra Park to serve the wealthy merchants and bankers looking to escape the smog of city centre.
The house has seven bedrooms arranged across four floors, a cinema room below ground, and a sun room overlooking the garden.
It’s also ‘impeccably designed’ throughout, and is a true credit to the current owners.
Elsewhere on the most-viewed list in the North West is the iconic former orangery for sale in the grounds of a grand Lancashire park that we featured not too long ago back in May.
Set within the distinguished grounds of Lancashire’s Woodfold Hall, and currently on the market for the reduced price of £1.5m, The Orangery effortlessly blends heritage charm with refined modern living, and estate agents say it’s a home that feels both ‘indulgent and inviting’.
Built all the way back in 1820 for renowned cotton magnate and industrialist Henry Sudell, it’s perfect for those who appreciate character and privacy… and a touch of grandeur, of course.
The Orangery is one of the most unique properties currently on the market in the region / Credit: Fine & Country (via Rightmove)
Some of the property’s stand-out features include the striking curved reception hall, the open plan kitchen-diner bathed in natural light from three elevations, and several reception rooms with French doors leading out into the expansive gardens.
Outside, the two-acre gardens are home to a magnificent monkey puzzle tree – which is believed to be one of the oldest of its kind in the country.
Emily Sergeant -
10th May 2023 
