A new ‘island district’ is set to be developed in Manchester on the site of Pomona Island, after regeneration specialist Peel Waters submitted outline plans in an application to Trafford Council.
The proposal sets out a long-term vision to transform the under-used land between the Bridgewater Canal and the Manchester Ship Canal into ‘Manchester Waters’, a mixed-use waterfront neighbourhood featuring around 2,600 new homes and extensive green space.
Peel Waters, the development arm behind several major waterfront regeneration projects across the UK, says the plans will revitalise 25 acres of brownfield land, delivering a mix of affordable homes, build-to-rent properties, open-market apartments and housing designed for students, older residents and those requiring care.
The developer is part of a national programme of waterfront regeneration, with the Peel Waters portfolio comprising Chatham Waters, Glasgow Waters, Liverpool Waters, Manchester Waters, Trafford Waters and Wirral Waters. Together, these projects aim to deliver new homes, public realm, commercial space and economic growth across former industrial and dockland sites.
The Manchester Waters plan incorporates a hotel, an aparthotel, flexible workspace, retail units, leisure and event facilities, and ground-floor spaces suited to cafés, bars and restaurants. More than half the site is allocated for landscaped public realm, including a five-acre waterside park, sports and play areas, and new walking and cycling routes linking the area with central Manchester, MediaCity and Trafford Wharfside.
A public consultation held prior to the application received around 100 responses, with 78% of participants supporting the creation of a new neighbourhood. Feedback on green spaces, active travel and ground-floor uses has helped shape the revised proposals. Peel Waters is also working with local residents and community groups on naming ideas for the new park and public areas.
The island site is already served by two tram stops, and the development includes further investment in sustainable travel connections. Earlier phases have delivered almost 600 homes in partnership with other developers, with another 500 due to begin construction in 2026. Nearby at Cornbrook, hundreds more homes, a Co-op store and further development — including an aparthotel — form part of the wider transformation underway.
Leigh Thomas, Development Director at Peel Waters, said: “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 five years – which is a really exciting prospect.”
Read more:
MOBO Awards to be hosted in Manchester for the first time
Jack Whitehall to host the 2026 BRIT Awards at Co-op Live
The best Bloody Marys in Manchester
