Major plans reveal 4,800 homes and new high street for Manchester

Nearly 5,000 homes are planned for a new neighbourhood in Manchester – forming part of a much wider regeneration scheme in the city. 

Developer Far East Consortium (FEC) has submitted two planning applications for its new Red Bank development. 

Red Bank is part of the bigger Victoria North regeneration scheme, which will see 15,000 homes built across seven new neighbourhoods in north Manchester over the next two decades. 

The ambitious redevelopment plans are a joint venture between FEC and Manchester City Council. 

Red Bank alone will see 4,800 homes built on 30 acres of largely brownfield site, alongside commercial and social facilities.  

It represents ‘one of the largest residential planning applications in Manchester in recent years’, said FEC. 

Application 1 

This outline application proposes up to 3,250 homes and more than 160,000 sq ft of non-residential floorspace including commercial, a health centre, a primary school, residential amenities and community space. 

New public realm will offer green space and wetlands, supporting a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain. 

Application 2 

This full application is for three plots on Dantzic Street, comprising 1,550 homes across seven buildings between six and 34 storeys. 

These will be a mix of apartments and townhouses for build-to-rent (BTR), affordable, and market sale, next to FEC’s 634-home Victoria Riverside scheme, which will form the next phase of delivery. 

A new high street is also planned, with 20,000 sq ft of commercial and retail space.   

Improvements to Dantzic Street and Dalton Street include resurfacing, widened footpaths, and cycle lanes.  

Design 

FEC is employing a “wild urbanism” concept, offering green space, biodiversity, active travel and public realm alongside city centre living. 

Masterplan team   

• Schulze+Grassov (public realm) 
• Maccreanor Lavington (masterplanner) 
• Hawkins\Brown (architect) 

Collyhurst 

FEC recently revealed redevelopment plans for the area of Collyhurst under the Victoria North regeneration scheme, including up to 3,000 new homes. 

It is understood 274 homes (130 affordable) are underway, with DEX Construction already on site. 

Investment in transport infrastructure, new local services, public realm and active travel schemes are also proposed.   

Masterplan team   

• Mæ (lead architect)  
• Turner.Works (meanwhile use)  
• Schulze+Grassov (landscape and public realm)   
• IF_DO (community engagement) 

“We want to integrate and re-connect Red Bank with the city centre to transform the area into a desirable place to live and visit,” said Hilary Brett, project director at FEC. “Our proposals are the outcome of over 18 months of design development and community engagement, and we hope the plans are positively received.”  

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