Peel L&P has revealed early proposals for the mixed-use redevelopment of Pomona Island in Trafford.

The proposals are part of its Manchester Waters scheme which will include one of the largest new public parks in Greater Manchester.

The revamped masterplan, covering almost 25 acres of currently underdeveloped brownfield land, would transform around 60% of the masterplan area into public realm and open space to help promote active lifestyles and the natural beauty of the waterfront site which is surrounded by the Manchester Ship Canal and the Bridgewater Canal.

Around 2,700 homes for a range of tenures including apartments and townhouses, and leisure and commercial space would be built on the remaining land with plans submitted for a 162-home private rent scheme at Pomona Wharf last week.

A network of new footpaths and cycleways would help to connect the site with easy access to Metrolink stops at Pomona Island and Cornbrook interchange that are located at the site to promote sustainable travel.

The 15-year proposals follow the principles of a 2020 masterplan, agreed by Trafford Council, and form the basis of an outline planning application to be submitted in spring 2022.


The regeneration of the site would be centred around a 5.2-acre waterfront park and new public access to a mile-long stretch of waterfront.

Ideas for re-using land under the railway arches also form part of the proposals and include plans to create outdoor sports facilities and play areas.

A canal corridor with planting by the water’s edge would promote biodiversity and wildlife with the enhancement of Brindley’s Weir helping to preserve the site’s heritage.

Manchester Waters is one of Peel L&P's seven waterfront regeneration schemes across England and Scotland under its newly named Peel Waters portfolio with 30,000 homes and 10 million sq ft of commercial space in the development pipeline.

Its prominent location is a gateway to Manchester city centre and Salford Quays with a range of employment and leisure opportunities close by at MediaCity, Trafford Park and the city centre itself.

Phase 1 of Manchester Waters is already well underway with the ongoing delivery of 750 homes at X1’s open market sale development and completion of Pomona Wharf, a build to rent scheme next to St George’s Island in 2017.

A range of public consultation events on the plans is expected early next year.

James Whittaker, Peel L&P's Executive Director for Development said: "Nestled between two famous canals, Manchester Waters has one of the most unique locations out of any our Peel Waters regenerations schemes and we’ve taken that into careful consideration to develop a green vision for the site which will go to public consultation early next year.

"This vision has nature at its heart by improving public access to the beautiful canals with a new park and open spaces bringing many health and wellbeing benefits to residents, commuters and families.

"The masterplan also supports Trafford Council's wider housing strategy and its excellent connectivity to Manchester, Trafford and Salford brings many exciting opportunities to create a really special place for a thriving new waterfront community with access to new and improved sustainable travel routes."