Peel Waters submits masterplan for Manchester Waters regeneration

Peel Waters has submitted an outline planning application to Trafford Council for the next phases of the Manchester Waters masterplan, which aims to transform Pomona Island into a major new waterfront neighbourhood.

The proposal covers 25 acres of brownfield land and includes plans for approximately 2,600 new homes. These will be delivered across a mix of tenures, including affordable housing, build-to-rent, open market sale, student accommodation, and later living provision. The development also includes a hotel, flexible workspace, retail units, leisure and event space, and provision for cafes, bars and restaurants.

More than half of the site is allocated to public realm and green space, including a new five-acre waterfront park, sports and play areas, and a network of walking and cycling routes linking the site to the city centre, Trafford Wharfside and MediaCity. The site is bordered by the Bridgewater Canal and Manchester Ship Canal and is served by two Metrolink stops.

Peel Waters held a public consultation ahead of submission, which attracted around 100 responses. Feedback led to refinements in green space provision, ground-floor use planning and cycle route improvements. The developer is now working with the community to name the proposed park and other public areas.

Manchester Waters forms part of the wider Peel Waters portfolio of regeneration projects across the UK. Earlier phases of development have already delivered nearly 600 homes in partnership with X1 Developments and Hestia, with an additional 500 units due to begin construction in 2026. At Cornbrook, Peel Waters has worked with Glenbrook and Forshaw Group to deliver 280 homes, with a further 237 homes, an aparthotel and retail units in the pipeline.

Trafford Council has described Manchester Waters as a key strategic site and said it looked forward to the application’s progression.