Salboy Group has commenced groundworks on the former site of the Boddingtons Brewery in Manchester.
The developer acquired the site in December 2022 and intends to deliver a mixed-used scheme called Waterhouse Gardens across five buildings with a GDV of £195m. The development will provide 556 new city centre homes, 31,000 sq ft of commercial space and new public realm.
Salboy’s dedicated construction partner DOMIS is currently on site with construction scheduled for completion in Q2 2026.
Simon Ismail, co-founder and managing director of Salboy, said: “Right on target, work has commenced on our hugely exciting new scheme on one of Manchester’s largest and last-remaining regeneration sites. As is always the way with Salboy schemes, we only start the sales process once we are live on site. With boots now on the ground, from September buyers will be able to purchase with confidence in this scheme, which is fully funded and their deposits are protected.
“Waterhouse Gardens will be a residential-led mixed use regeneration project that pays close attention to creating an appealing landscaped environment where young people buy and rent their homes, as well as study, begin or progress their careers and socialise, all within easy reach of Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
“We’ve specifically and painstakingly designed a new local neighbourhood that’ll suit anyone – renters and owners alike – who’s seeking a vibrant, convenient, city central lifestyle where what they need and want is available on site at a consistently high quality and easy access.”
Conor Mulloy, director at Graham + Sibbald, which is advising Salboy on the commercial space at Waterhouse Gardens, added: “We are delighted to be involved in such an exciting project upon one of Manchester’s most landmark locations, and it’s great to see the works now starting on site. The design of the development together with the attention to detail on items such as the landscaping will ensure this brand new neighbourhood will be hugely attractive to both residents and commercial operators alike.
“With over 31,000 sq ft of quality commercial space being created with an abundance of well designed and landscaped external seating areas, particularly along Central Avenue, Waterhouse Gardens will be an exciting opportunity for bars and restaurants seeking space within the city. These new operators will not only benefit from the rapidly growing residential population but also the immediately adjacent AO Arena. In turn they will bring vibrancy and activity to the area which will enhance the neighbourhood and local environment even further.”
