Plans approved for 159 flats at Manchester build-to-rent scheme

Peel Waters’ plans to deliver an additional 159 new build-to-rent flats at a brownfield dockland site in Manchester have been approved by Trafford Council.

The recently approved plans form part of Peel Waters’ masterplan to deliver around 4,000 new homes at Manchester Waters.

Peel Waters will construct the homes in two blocks, which will overlook the Bridgewater Canal and Manchester Ship Canal.

Peel has said it will make a financial contribution equivalent to 20% affordable housing within Trafford, as well as contributions towards green spaces and schools in the local area.

AHR architects designed the scheme, which will have a communal rooftop terrace and residents’ courtyard garden.

The former Manchester docks site, located between Manchester city centre, Salford Quays and MediaCityUK, closed in the 1970s and has been largely vacant for over 20 years.

The Manchester Waters development will generate energy on site through heat pumps and solar panels. In addition, the buildings will be equipped with a heat recovery system aimed at maximising energy efficiency.

Peel Waters will also extend the existing waterfront pedestrian and cycle routes along the Manchester Ship Canal and the Bridgewater Canal.

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On the same site, Peel completed a 164-apartment build-to-rent scheme at Pomona Wharf in 2017. It also delivered 280 build-to-rent apartments, developed by Glenbrook for Barings, in 2021. 

In its development pipeline, as well as the newly approved 159 BTR homes, Peel is set to deliver 742 apartments across five towers with developer X1 Developments and construction partner Vermont. Three of the towers have already been built, and the construction of the two remaining towers is expected to start this year. 

Peel Waters has a portfolio of other waterside redevelopment projects in Glasgow, Trafford, the Wirral, Liverpool and Chatham. 

James Whittaker, executive director for Peel Waters, said: “We’re really pleased our plans have been approved to create these much needed, highly sustainable, homes at Manchester 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.”