Domis Construction has broken ground on Podium, a £120m build-to-rent scheme in Trafford, Greater Manchester.

Delivered by developer Glenbrook, the project will provide 440 new homes across four buildings and a central podium, with the first phase scheduled for completion in Q2 2026 following start on site in early 2024.

The development is being funded through a joint venture between Moorfield Group, on behalf of Moorfield Real Estate Fund V, and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund, advised by CBRE. The scheme forms part of Trafford's 55-acre Civic Quarter masterplan, close to Old Trafford's football and cricket grounds, which will bring forward up to 4,000 new homes, commercial space, public realm and green areas.

Charles Ferguson-Davie, Co-CEO & Chief Investment Officer, Moorfield Group, said: "Our joint venture with Greater Manchester Pension Fund sees us partner with a forward-thinking UK institutional investor who understand the long-term benefits high-quality purpose-built rental housing can bring to local communities and economies. 

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"This transaction enables us to recycle capital into other compelling opportunities we are seeing within UK living real estate. There is a long-standing structural demand-supply imbalance, and a need for new housing of different tenures and typologies."

Podium will deliver a mix of apartments and townhouses aimed at young professionals and families. Residents will have access to a range of amenities including lounges, co-working areas, a gym and studio, roof terrace, cycle storage and a 200-space car park. The landscaped communal areas will be the largest of any build-to-rent development in Manchester.

The project also incorporates extensive sustainability measures under an ESG-linked development agreement between Moorfield and Glenbrook. At least 95% of the homes will achieve a minimum EPC B rating, with the scheme designed for net zero operational carbon through full electrification. Construction methods will include the use of cement replacements and recycled materials, alongside the installation of photovoltaic roofing, EV charging points and measures to deliver biodiversity net gain.

For Moorfield, Podium marks its third build-to-rent investment in Manchester, following The Trilogy in Castlefield and Duet in Salford Quays. GMPF continues to support housing delivery across Greater Manchester, with previous commitments including £100m into Legal & General's Affordable Housing Fund and a joint venture with Manchester City Council's housing company, This City, to bring forward 1,600 affordable homes.