The strip of land between the Bridgewater Canal and Manchester Ship Canal has a fascinating history
Plans for a new waterfront neighbourhood with 2,600 homes on Greater Manchester’s ‘forgotten island’ have been lodged. The vision for Pomona Island includes a hotel, a five-acre waterside park and ‘social spaces’ for coffee shops, bars and eateries as well as lots of flats.
The proposal by Peel Waters will see the remaining 25 acres of the land between the Bridgewater Canal and Manchester Ship Canal developed with a mix of housing including affordable, student and elderly living accommodation. The developer, which consulted on the plans earlier this year, has now submitted an outline planning application for the Manchester Waters project to Trafford council.
The vast stretch of land which straddles Salford, Trafford and Manchester has a fascinating history. During the industrial revolution, the island was home to botanical gardens and the Royal Pomona Palace which was, at the time, the biggest concert hall in the country.
The area later became docklands serving the Manchester Ship Canal and, after the docks closed in the 1970s, the island hosted the city’s first nightclub on a ship, North Westward Ho. After its closure, Pomona was left desolate and became an overgrown wasteland.
Almost 600 homes have been delivered on the site to date, with construction of a further 500 homes to start next year, as well as an apartment hotel. Under the latest plans for the remaining 25 acres, more than half of the site will be dedicated to public realm and green spaces.
There will also be a network of new footpaths and cycleways connecting Manchester Waters, which is bookended by two tram stops, with the city centre, MediaCity and Trafford Wharfside. The developer says it’s now working with residents and community groups to ‘explore opportunities for collaboratively naming’ the new park and public areas following feedback from the public consultation.
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 5 years – which is a really exciting prospect.”
He added: “We’re grateful to everyone who took part in the Manchester Waters consultation and shared their ideas. Their feedback has helped shape plans that will deliver the new homes Trafford and Greater Manchester need, alongside green spaces and amenities for the whole community.”
