Ambitious plans to turn Pomona Island into a new ‘island district’ for Manchester have been revealed.
The plans include building 2,600 new homes, plus green spaces and new waterfront connections.
Known as Manchester Waters, this ‘island district’ would see the urban island at the junction of the Bridgewater Canal and Manchester Ship Canal turned into a waterfront neighbourhood.
Pomona Island is a stone’s throw from the city centre and in its heyday was home to botanical gardens and the Royal Pomona Palace, before being used as docklands. These days, it’s largely underutilised.
Peel Waters have now submitted a planning application to Trafford Council, with a vision to regenerate the remaining 25 acres of brownfield land.
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While many Mancs would love to see this turned into a park or community space, the developers’ proposals include 2,600 homes that will be a mixture of affordable, build-to-rent, for sale, student, care and elderly living accommodation.
But they propose keeping more than half the site dedicated to public realm and green spaces, including a five-acre park, sports and play areas, footpaths and cycleways.
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The masterplan has left space for a hotel, workspace, retail, leisure and events, plus coffee shops, bars and restaurants.
Plans to turn Pomona Island into a new neighbourhood. Credit: Peel Waters and Jon Matthews Architects
An earlier public consultation found that 78% of respondents were in favour of a new neighbourhood on Pomona Island.
Peel Waters, X1 Developments and Hestia have already delivered almost 600 homes on the island as part of an earlier phase of its redevelopment, with 500 more set to begin construction next year.
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Leigh Thomas, Development Director at Peel Waters, commented: “Submitting the outline planning application is a significant step forward in delivering our vision for Manchester Waters.
“This masterplan will open up Pomona Island to the public for the first time in decades, creating a unique ‘island’ neighbourhood with parks and recreation space for future visitors, residents and workers to enjoy, whilst ensuring there is a housing option for all incomes and ages.
“With support from partners and stakeholders, over 1,000 of these much needed new homes could be completed at Manchester Waters in the next 5 years – which is a really exciting prospect.
“We’re grateful to everyone who took part in the Manchester Waters consultation and shared their ideas. Their feedback has helped shape plans that will deliver the new homes Trafford and Greater Manchester need, alongside green spaces and amenities for the whole community.”
A spokesperson for Trafford Council added: “Manchester Waters is a key strategic site for Trafford Council and forms a large part of our plans to regenerate that particular area of the borough. We look forward to seeing how the application for development progresses.”
Featured image: Peel Waters and Jon Matthews Architects
Property
Inside the £1.3m Bolton gatehouse considered a ‘remarkable’ piece of local history
Emily Sergeant
A magnificent Grade II-listed gatehouse in an affluent area of Bolton has gone on the market, and it’s your chance to own a piece of local history.
You will need a small matter of £1.3 million before you’re able to call it yours, though.
Now, as we always say before we write about these stunning homes, it goes without saying that the vast majority of us won’t have this kind of money just sitting in bank accounts right now… but if like us, you’ve got no shame in admitting you love looking at houses you can’t afford in places you’ll probably never live, then allow us to introduce you to this absolute beauty.
This is Lostock Hall Gatehouse – a breathtaking Grade II-listed residence that’s believed to date back to the late sixteenth century.
Tucked away in ‘complete seclusion’ in the sought-after Bolton area of Lostock – which is known and loved by families thanks to its varied housing options, excellent local schools, convenient transport links, and proximity to amenities including Middlebrook Retail Park – this extraordinary five-bedroom link detached property is described as being ‘rich’ in heritage and architectural significance.
The home has been thoughtfully enhanced over time to introduce refined features for modern life, all while preserving plenty of original features.
Set behind imposing electric gates and nestled on a plot of just under three quarters of an acre, Lostock Hall Gatehouse is divided into two detached buildings, which estate agents say offers ‘unparalleled’ versatility for multi-generational living, business use, leisure space, or even guest accommodation.
This is the impressive Lostock Hall Gatehouse in Bolton / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
The main residence is packed with bags of character – think an original stone frontage, charming mullion windows, feature fireplaces, exposed beams, expansive rooms, and so much more.
Some of the other stand-out features in the main house include two impressive reception rooms, a beautifully presented country-style kitchen, and five large bedrooms arranged over two floors.
A short walk from the main residence stands a substantial two-storey detached building, which is in need of some refurbishment for sure, but estate agents say it presents exceptional potential and flexibility for a wide variety of uses.
It’s currently on the market for £1.3 million / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
Just as you’d expect, the outside of the Lostock Hall Gatehouse is almost an impressive as the inside, as it boasts manicured lawns and gardens stretching beautifully across the plot and designed to be enjoyed in every season.
The large private driveway also provides off-road parking for several vehicles.
This property is currently on the market with the Bolton branch of local estate agency chain, Miller Metcalfe, for £1.3 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.
Featured Image – Miller Metcalfe
Property
Greater Manchester could be getting a new town under ‘ambitious’ Government housebuilding programme
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester could be getting a new town under an ‘ambitious’ proposed Government housebuilding programme.
Manchester Victoria North is one of seven new towns that have been proposed.
Named for consideration as part of what the Government is referring to as the most ambitious housebuilding programme in more than half a century, the locations of seven new towns have been revealed this week, and also include other northern locations like Leeds South Bank, as well as places in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, and Greenwich.
The Government says that the next generation of new towns are to be ‘built for the future from the ground up’.
They will create well-connected new communities with homes, jobs, schools, green spaces, and suitable transport links planned from the start.
Each proposed location is expected to deliver at least 10,000 homes – with several delivering 40,000 or more in the decades to come.
Greater Manchester could be getting a new town / Credit: Manchester City Council
All seven of the proposed new towns are set to be designed for modern everyday life, the Government insists – with neighbourhoods that people can easily get around without a car, incorporating shared green spaces and ‘vibrant’ high streets.
As part of the Manchester Victoria North proposals announced this week, at least 15,000 homes regenerating the heart of Greater Manchester are to be built, with a new Metrolink stop connecting residents to jobs across the city.
“People want real change,” explained Housing Secretary, Steve Reed. “They want homes they can afford, local infrastructure that works, and good jobs in thriving communities.
“Our next generation of new towns marks a turning point in how we build for the future.
“From the ground up, we’re planning whole communities with homes, jobs, transport links, and green spaces designed together, so we can give families the security and opportunities they deserve.”
Alongside the new towns consultation, the Government has also confirmed today that the National Housing Bank will launch on 1 April, backed by up to £16 billion of financial capacity and aiming to deliver over 500,000 new homes.
The Government has also confirmed additional support worth up to £400 million over the next decade for ‘subsidised products’.
Daisy Jackson -
19th December 2025 
