A year in review

2024 was a landmark year for Peel Waters. 

As the calendar year draws to a close, take a look at some of the key highlights from Manchester Waters including us securing planning permission for two major residential developments, well as what announcements and milestones to look out for in 2025.

Planning approved for 159 waterside homes at Manchester Waters

In March, Trafford Council approved our plans for 159 new homes at Manchester Waters with health, wellness, access to nature and spaces to socialise being at the forefront of our plans for the development.

We plan to build a communal rooftop terrace and residents’ courtyard garden, which will offer residents exceptional views onto the Manchester Ship Canal and extra outdoor space for residents to relax in. Whilst the new residents’ gym and yoga studio overlooking the water will be one of many amenities future residents will be able to enjoy.

Reflection from James Whittaker, Managing Director, Peel Waters: 

“Manchester Waters is a prime residential site in Greater Manchester, which uniquely offers both the vibrancy of being in close proximity to the city centre with the wellbeing benefits of living on the waterside, creating a desirable location for both living and developing. 

In addition to creating these new homes; we are continuing to significantly invest into the local area, which will include providing the next section of new improved pedestrian and cycle links between Manchester and MediaCity as well as contributing to improving local schools and green spaces in Trafford.” 

Find out more about this future development here.

Planning approved for 24 storey development at our key gateway site

In June, Manchester City Council approved plans submitted by Forshaw Land & Property Group to transform a vacant brownfield site at Cornbrook into a high-quality, mixed-use residential and commercial scheme, complete with an 87-room aparthotel and coffee bar.

The approved development will include 224 open market apartments split over 24-storeys and fun amenities for residents including a games room, communal coworking spaces, private dining room, yoga studio and a residents’ gym.

The development will be Forshaw Group’s largest residential scheme to date and it’s the first partnership between Peel Waters and the Bolton based developer.

Reflection from Lyndon Forshaw, CEO, Forshaw Group: 

“Our approved scheme sits on a hugely important gateway site and we are looking forward to continue working closely with Peel Waters to create a development that delivers on the ambitions of the Cornbrook Regeneration Framework. This will be our largest residential led scheme to date and we are excited to deliver much needed new housing as well as launching our first hotel under our new Vivere Aparthotel brand.”

Read the full story here.

What to look out for in 2025

BTR development start on site

In spring 2025, we expect to start on site to create 159 homes, which will include a mix of one-, two- and three- bedroom apartments will be split across two buildings.

Enhanced connectivity for Manchester Waters

Coinciding with our BTR development, we will also deliver the next 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, commuters and the wider community.

Forshaw Group starting on site

The mixed-use residential and commercial scheme, comprising of 224 open market apartments with an 87-room aparthotel and coffee bar is expected to start on site mid-2025.

Outline planning application – Manchester Waters

The masterplan includes a range of new green spaces including a 5-acre waterfront park, a network of footpaths and cycleways and around 2,700 new homes.