The Trafford area is seeing a fair bit of regeneration, with the likes of Old Trafford and Stretford benefitting from future investment, and now there’s another upgrade in the pipeline. Waterside regeneration specialists, Peel Waters, have submitted an outline planning application to Trafford Council for the next phases of the Manchester Waters masterplan, marking a major milestone in the transformation of Pomona Island into a vibrant new waterfront neighbourhood.
What do the Manchester Waters plans include?
The plans will regenerate the remaining 25 acres of brownfield land at Pomona Island, delivering around 2,600 new high-quality waterfront homes across a mix of housing types including affordable, build-to-rent and open market sale; as well as additional student, care and elderly living accommodation.
A hotel, flexible workspace, retail units, leisure and event space as well as social spaces for future coffee shops, bars and eateries have all been designed into the masterplan. A landscape-led vision has been crucial to the design of the masterplan; with over half the site dedicated to public realm and green spaces, including a new 5-acre waterside park, sports and play areas, and a network of new footpaths and cycleways connecting Manchester Waters with the city centre, MediaCity and Trafford Wharfside.
In recognition of the importance of integrating green spaces with both new and existing communities, Peel Waters is now working with local residents and community groups to explore opportunities for collaboratively naming the new park and public areas following direct feedback from the recent public consultation.
Public transport between Manchester Waters and the city centre
With two tram stops bookending the development and plans to enhance sustainable travel through new promenades and cycleways, Manchester Waters is one of the best-connected sites in Greater Manchester.
The unique ‘island’ site is located between the Bridgewater Canal and the Manchester Ship Canal and builds on the success of earlier phases that has seen almost 600 homes to buy, and rent delivered, and construction of a further 500 homes set to begin in 2026.
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.”
The application submission for Manchester Waters came after a full public consultation, with 78% of respondents supporting the creation of a new neighbourhood at Manchester Waters. Feedback focused on proposals for green spaces, ideas for ground-floor uses, and improvements to cycle routes.
You can find out more about Manchester Waters and the Masterplan here.