Manchester is undergoing its most ambitious urban transformation in decades.
The Victoria North regeneration programme is reshaping 155 hectares of northeast Manchester into seven vibrant neighbourhoods that promise modern homes, green spaces, and strong community facilities.
Backed by a £4 billion investment, the project will deliver 15,000 new homes over the next 15–20 years, accommodating more than 40,000 residents.
👉 According to Manchester City Council Housing, thousands of new affordable homes are part of the plan, making it a cornerstone for sustainable growth.
This large-scale regeneration, driven by a partnership between Manchester City Council and the Far East Consortium (FEC), is widely recognised as Europe’s largest urban renewal programme.
The scheme is about more than just housing. With the creation of the 46-hectare City River Park, new schools, healthcare facilities, and the planned Sandhills Metrolink station, Victoria North is setting a benchmark for sustainable city living.
Government backing through the New Towns initiative further highlights its importance for Manchester’s growth.
Key Highlights of Victoria North:
- Delivery of 15,000 homes across seven neighbourhoods
- £4 billion total investment value
- 46 hectares of new parkland and green spaces
- A new Sandhills Metrolink station improving connectivity
- 430 homes already completed, 550 more under construction
Table of Contents
What is Victoria North Regeneration Programme?
Manchester’s Northern Gateway Transformation
The Victoria North development covers 155 hectares of largely brownfield land, stretching between Victoria Station and Queen’s Park in Collyhurst.
Originally branded as the Northern Gateway, the project addresses Manchester’s urgent housing needs while creating environmentally sustainable communities.
At a glance:
- Location: Northeast Manchester city centre
- Timeline: 15–20 years
- Investment: £4 billion
- Housing Goal: 15,000 homes
- New Population: 40,000 residents
- Land Area: 155 hectares
Victoria North Joint Venture Partnership
The programme is delivered through a joint venture between Manchester City Council and FEC.
This ensures development is community-focused and balanced, covering housing, infrastructure, and environmental measures.
The partnership delivers:
- Affordable and market-rate housing
- Transport and road upgrades
- Healthcare, schools, and social amenities
- Green infrastructure and flood management
- Economic growth through job creation
Victoria North Seven Neighbourhoods Development
Red Bank Riverside Development
The Red Bank neighbourhood leads the way as Victoria North’s first major phase. The Victoria Riverside scheme is creating 634 homes across three towers:
- Crown View: 37 storeys, 119m tall
- Park View: 26 storeys
- City View: 18 storeys, including 128 affordable homes
Future plans for Red Bank:
- £210 million in next-phase investment
- 1,550 more homes to follow
- 20,000 sq ft of retail and commercial space
Collyhurst Village Regeneration
Collyhurst has been prioritised for council housing replacement and community renewal. The South Collyhurst project includes:[10][2]
- 244 homes in its first phase
- 130 new council homes for rent
- Replacement of 100 older social housing units
- New community facilities and public spaces
New Cross Victoria North
The New Cross neighbourhood will focus on mixed-tenure homes and family-friendly living, with schools, shops, and green areas integrated into the design.
Additional Neighbourhoods
- Queen’s Park – enhanced open spaces and family housing
- New Town – a new residential hub
- Victoria Station area – transport and connectivity upgrades
- River Irk corridor – restoration and biodiversity improvement
Victoria North Housing Development and Affordability
15,000 New Homes Construction Timeline
Victoria North represents the largest single housing delivery in Manchester’s history.
- Completed: 430 homes
- Under Construction: 550 homes
- Planning Approved: 4,801 homes
- Delivery Rate: ~500 per year
- Full Completion: 2040–2045
Affordable Housing Strategy
Affordability is central to the masterplan.[8]
- 258 affordable homes delivered in early phases
- Replacement homes for existing tenants in Collyhurst
- 20% affordability baseline (with potential for more)
- Social rent and shared ownership options
- Section 106 agreements to secure additional units
Investment Opportunities
The £4 billion Victoria North investment provides attractive opportunities:[4][11]
- Buy-to-let potential in a high-demand market
- Capital growth—Manchester property values rose 300% between 2001–2021
- Commercial opportunities in retail and office space
- Transport-linked investments near the Sandhills Metrolink
City River Park and Environmental Sustainability
46 Hectares of Green Space
The City River Park will create one of Manchester’s largest urban parks.
- 46 hectares of connected parkland
- Climate-positive, carbon-neutral design
- Biodiversity-rich corridors for wildlife
- Cycle and pedestrian-friendly routes
Climate Positive Design
Sustainability is embedded throughout Victoria North:
- River Irk restoration and flood defence
- Carbon-neutral construction methods
- Minimum 10% biodiversity net gain
- Walkable neighbourhoods with cycle paths
Green Spaces and Biodiversity
In addition to City River Park:
- St Catherine’s Wood enhancements
- Wetlands and community gardens
- Extensive urban tree planting
- Wildlife corridors linking neighbourhoods
Transport Links and Infrastructure
Sandhills Metrolink Station
A brand-new Metrolink station at Sandhills is underway with £1.5m government funding.[11][12]
- Connects to Bury, Oldham, and Rochdale lines
- Improves access for North Manchester residents
- Supports job accessibility and economic growth
Wider Connectivity Improvements
- Expanded Metrolink links to the city centre
- Upgraded bus routes
- Safer pedestrian and cycling routes
- Improved road infrastructure and parking
Proximity to Manchester Victoria Station
Residents will benefit from easy access to Manchester Victoria station, connecting them to local, regional, and national rail services.
Community Facilities and Amenities
Schools and Healthcare
- A new primary school and expanded secondary provision
- A healthcare centre and GP practices
- Access to dental and specialist services
Retail and Commercial Spaces
- 20,000 sq ft of retail provision
- Community centres for events and services
- Support for independent businesses
- Job creation in retail and service sectors
Community Engagement
The programme prioritises local residents through:
- Relocation support for existing tenants
- Training and apprenticeships
- Local job opportunities during and after construction
Investment and Economic Impact
£4 Billion Investment Breakdown
- Housing construction
- Transport and utilities
- Public realm and green spaces
- Land preparation and remediation
- Planning and design services
Job Creation
- 6,900 construction jobs
- Permanent roles in retail, education, and healthcare
- Local supply chain opportunities
- Apprenticeships and skills training
Government Support
Victoria North benefits from New Towns status, ensuring:
- Fast-tracked planning approval
- Infrastructure funding
- National recognition as a growth priority
Development Timeline and Phases
2025 Progress Update
By 2025
- First 130 social homes delivered in Collyhurst
- Victoria Riverside towers nearing completion
- 4,801 homes approved in planning pipeline
- Sandhills Metrolink funding secured
Long-Term Schedule
- 2025–2030: Core infrastructure and early phases
- 2030–2035: Housing delivery accelerates
- 2035–2040: Final neighbourhoods completed
Benefits for Residents
- Modern Homes: High energy efficiency and smart design
- Community Facilities: Schools, healthcare, and cultural centres
- Well-being: Healthier environments and job opportunities
- Green Living: Improved air quality and flood resilience
FAQs
How long will Victoria North take?
Around 15–20 years, with completion expected by 2040–2045.
How many homes will be built?
15,000 new homes across seven neighbourhoods.
Will there be affordable housing?
Yes, with at least 20% affordable units and council housing replacement.
What transport improvements are included?
A new Metrolink station, enhanced bus routes, and cycle-friendly routes.
What are the environmental benefits?
46 hectares of parkland, River Irk restoration, and biodiversity net gain.
The Victoria North regeneration programme is set to redefine Manchester’s urban future.
With a £4 billion investment, 15,000 homes, and strong government backing, it represents Europe’s largest regeneration scheme.
From the expansive City River Park to the Sandhills Metrolink station, Victoria North integrates housing, transport, sustainability, and community benefits.
Its progress demonstrates how Manchester can balance economic growth with inclusive, environmentally friendly urban living.
For residents, investors, and businesses, Victoria North is more than a housing scheme—it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build thriving communities in the heart of Manchester.
📚 Cited Sources
- Manchester City Council – Housing & Property
👉 https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/100007/homes
(Used when discussing affordable housing and regeneration in Victoria North.) - Manchester Local Plan – Planning & Development
👉 https://www.manchester.gov.uk/planning
(Used when covering housing strategies and land development policies.) - Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM)
👉 https://tfgm.com/
(Referenced in transport and connectivity section.) - Invest in Manchester – MIDAS
👉 https://www.investinmanchester.com/
(Cited under economic growth and inward investment opportunities.) - Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)
👉 https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/
(Referenced for environmental sustainability and regional strategy alignment.)