Waterside regeneration specialist Peel Waters has submitted an outline planning application to Trafford Council for further phases of the £800m ($1.07bn) Manchester Waters master plan.
The master plan will allow public access to Pomona Island for the first time in many years. It will establish a new neighbourhood with parks and recreation areas designed for future visitors, residents, and workers.
The proposal sets out plans to regenerate approximately 25 acres of brownfield land at Pomona Island. It includes plans to construct around 2,600 homes spanning various tenures such as affordable housing, build-to-rent options, homes for sale, as well as accommodation for students and older people.
The application also features provisions for a hotel, flexible workspaces, retail premises, leisure facilities, and spaces aimed at future hospitality businesses.
More than half the area is earmarked for public and green spaces, including a five-acre park by the water, sports and play zones, and new routes for walking and cycling that would link the site to central Manchester, MediaCity and Trafford Wharfside.
Two tram stops serve the area currently and proposals aim to further encourage sustainable travel through additional promenades and cycleways.
Peel Waters conducted a public consultation before finalising the application. Community engagement activities included an online survey and a webinar hosted on a project-specific website.
Approximately 100 individuals took part in the consultation process, with 78% expressing support for neighbourhood development at Manchester Waters.
Common themes raised by respondents related to green space provision, ground-floor uses and improvements to cycling infrastructure, said the company.
Peel Waters reports that it considered all feedback when refining its submission.
Following consultation outcomes highlighting the value of communal spaces, Peel Waters is working with local residents and groups to potentially collaborate on names for new public areas and parks within the master plan development.
Manchester Waters sits between the Bridgewater Canal and Manchester Ship Canal.
Previous development phases saw nearly 600 homes delivered in partnership with X1 Developments and Hestia; a further 500 homes are scheduled for construction commencing in 2026.
At Cornbrook - identified as a main access point - land assembly allowed Peel Waters to facilitate new projects with Glenbrook and Forshaw Group.
To date, these have provided 280 homes and a convenience store while another phase involving 237 residences plus an aparthotel and café is planned.
The scheme forms part of Peel Waters’ wider portfolio of regeneration initiatives at waterfront locations across the UK.
Peel Waters development director Leigh Thomas said: “Submitting the outline planning application is a significant step forward in delivering our vision for Manchester Waters. This master plan 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 five years - which is a really exciting prospect. We’re grateful to everyone who took part in the Manchester Waters consultation and shared their ideas.”
