Members of the Greater Manchester public are being invited to take part in the official consultation period ahead of the proposed plans for a big new development in Red Bank.
The central district, located right near Cheetham Hill and now considered a key part of the Northern Gateway regeneration area, is on the verge of a significant transformation in the shape of two huge new ‘landmark’ towers.
With more skyscrapers steadily popping up all over the city centre and neighbouring parts of Salford (at an increasingly quick rate, we’d hasten to add), local residents are rightly being encouraged to come and share their thoughts and feedback on the impending project.
CGIs of the two new towers from near and afar. (Credit: Supplied)
Pencilled in by LWP Redbank Limited, the public consultation is not just specifically related to 50–54 Red Bank, but the surrounding area too.
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With two separate planning permission applications submitted to Manchester City Council – one regarding the apartment blocks themselves and another to the ‘public realm’, which includes the immediate vicinity and, most notably, potential “future access to the historic viaduct.”
The headline of the major update to the Red Bank neighbourhood is, of course, the two apartment buildings, which would create a total of 509 new homes and employment opportunities.
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Made up of a mix of one, two and three-bedroom flats said to be suitable for both single occupants and families, the developers are also slated to create several shared amenities, landscaped outdoor areas, and sweeping city views.
Equally important is how it will integrate into the existing area at ground level, with new commercial units set to complement the thriving businesses under the recognisable Red Bank arches; more than 2,000 square metres of open space will link the towers to the viaduct.
Sustainability is said to be at the heart of the proposals too, with the scheme expected to be largely car-free, as well as improving travel links to public transport networks, cycle parking, energy-efficient features, “including air source heat pumps and other low-carbon technologies.”
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At present, those for the construction argue that limited use is being made of the space.
Locals hoping for a positive dialogue during the consultation period will be pleased to hear that “native planting, trees, and rain gardens will create green and welcoming spaces, with active frontages and open sightlines improving safety and vibrancy” have all been promised.
Issuing a statement on behalf of the project team, a spokesperson said in a recent press release: “Red Bank is fast becoming a creative and vibrant part of Manchester, and our vision is to build on this character to create a distinctive new neighbourhood.
“These proposals bring forward much-needed homes, alongside new public space, and active ground-floor uses that will add to the life of the area. We look forward to hearing what local people think during our consultation, which is being held until Friday, 3 October.”
A consultation drop-in event will take place at GRUB MCR, 50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill (M4 4HF) from 3-7pm on Wednesday, 17 September. Further feedback is also welcome either HERE, over the email at [email protected], or by freephone: 0800 689 1095 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5:30pm).
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If all goes ahead as planned, you can expect work to start on this particular part of the ‘Victoria North Masterplan’ early next year, if not even sooner.
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.
Danny Jones -
8th September 2025 
