Plans have been submitted for 159 new homes at ‘Manchester Waters’ – a 26-acre former dockland site between Manchester city centre, Salford Quays and MediaCityUK.

Allocated as a strategic location within Trafford council’s local plan and earmarked for development, Manchester Waters is one of the last remaining large-scale regeneration opportunities located close to the heart of the city centre.

The plans have been submitted to Trafford but have not yet appeared on the council’s planning applications portal.

The applicant is waterside regeneration specialist Peel Waters. Located between the Bridgewater Canal and the Manchester Ship Canal, the proposed one, two and three- bedroom apartments will be split across two buildings, overlooking both historic canals, and ‘will uniquely offer every future resident a home with a waterfront view’.

As part of the proposals, Peel says it will be making a contribution equivalent to 20 per cent affordable housing within Trafford and a further contribution will be made towards improving green spaces in the local area.

Health, wellness, access to nature and spaces to socialise in are at the forefront of Peel’s proposed residential development, the company says.

A communal rooftop terrace, located above the entrance to the site, will offer residents ‘exceptional views’ onto the Manchester Ship Canal and ‘a vibrant and welcoming residents’ courtyard garden’ will offer extra outdoor space for residents to relax in, Peel continued.

A new residents’ gym and on-site yoga studio overlooking the water will ‘celebrate the waterside location’. and will be one of many amenities future residents will be able to enjoy.

Sustainability is at the heart of the design and a fabric-first approach will be used to reduce carbon emissions. Alongside this, heat pumps and solar panels will generate energy on site and will be complemented by a heat recovery system, making the buildings ‘highly efficient.’

Active travel options will be encouraged at the development through the provision of 159 cycle parking spaces, located in secure and well-lit on-site cycle parking hubs.

A car club will also be provided for residents and each parking space will have a dedicated EV charging point. As part of the proposal, Peel also plans to help deliver sections of two new waterfront pedestrian and cycle routes which will be created along the Manchester Ship Canal and Bridgewater Canal, providing enhanced connectivity and waterside paths for residents and the wider community.

The site has a variety of public transport options within a walkable distance from the site, such as Cornbrook and Pomona Tram Stops, and local bus stops.

The proposed build-to-rent homes will form part of a wider Manchester Waters masterplan to regenerate the brownfield site and bring’ much-needed quality homes’ to the area. The site has been largely vacant for over 20 years and the proposals will deliver a high-quality scheme, transforming the area into a sustainable, mixed-use community.

Peel Waters executive director James Whittaker said: “This is the next exciting step in our regeneration plans for Manchester Waters, offering a unique residential opportunity at one of the best development sites in Greater Manchester.

“Waterside living in the UK comes with many benefits that enhance quality of life and wellness. Our proposed homes will celebrate their waterfront location as well as delivering much-needed new, sustainable, quality housing in the area in addition to providing the next section of new improved pedestrian and cycle links between Manchester and MediaCity.

“Alongside creating new homes, the proposals represent a significant investment into the local area, which will create new jobs, apprenticeships and local employment opportunities throughout the construction stage.”