Largest ever regeneration scheme

The outline planning application for Holt Town Waterfront in East Manchester was submitted by specialist regeneration developer Cibitas Investments Ltd. The 38 hectare (95 acre) development is less than a mile east of Manchester city centre and is the largest planning application ever to be approved in Manchester, as well as being one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK.

Adjacent to the flagship Sportscity development, the scheme will be at the forefront of residential-led regeneration in the UK and builds on the success achieved in the area by urban regeneration company New East Manchester.
At the heart of east Manchester, the project will combine the vibrancy and convenience of the city centre with the attractions and amenities of Manchester’s suburbs. The new urban quarter will provide more than 4,300 new homes over the next 10-15 years, the majority of which will be accommodation for families through an innovative mixture of houses, family apartments and duplexes. Each will have its own parking space, access to safe outside green space and private gardens, village squares and waterfronts.

In addition to a range of high quality homes, the area will benefit from a stunning river valley park, a new Metrolink tram stop linking the area both into the city centre and out to the east, a new primary school, studio/office accommodation and a range of shops, bars and restaurants, all of which combine to establish a vibrant mixed neighbourhood just five minutes from the city centre.

David Shelton, managing director at Cibitas, comments: ‘We are absolutely delighted with the City Council’s decision. We have worked hard as a team with colleagues at New East Manchester to develop a commercially viable scheme that will bring something new and exciting to Manchester and the UK.

“Holt Town Waterfront is an ambitious project that will re-define urban family living in the UK – we hope this project becomes a flagship for the rest of the country.”

The scheme is being delivered in partnership with New East Manchester and Manchester City Council.
Tom Russell, chief executive of New East Manchester, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to create a new concept in family housing that is not only unique to east Manchester but anywhere in the UK, yet again raising the bar in terms of urban living.

“Holt Town Waterfront is strategically located close to Manchester city centre, and provides an opportunity to create a new community that will integrate with the existing neighbourhoods. Families will have the chance to invest in their future by setting down roots and staying within in the city.”

The first sites are expected to be released to the market soon.

Cibitas was assisted in the preparation of the planning application by GVA Grimley, EDAW, Arup, Berwin Leighton Paisner, Eversheds and Cre8 Management.

Manchester City Council’s Planning Committee approved the application at its meeting which took place late last year.