Construction has started on the first high-rise residential development at Trafford Waters, marking a significant milestone in Peel Waters’ plans to create a new waterside neighbourhood within TraffordCity.
Bridgestone Construction has been appointed to deliver The Anchor Residency, a 208-home apartment scheme comprising one, two and three-bedroom build-to-sell homes overlooking the Manchester Ship Canal. The development will be the first high-rise residential project delivered within Trafford Waters and forms part of Peel Waters’ wider vision to create a mixed-use community with up to 3,000 homes, public spaces, employment opportunities, community facilities and supporting infrastructure.
Located adjacent to Trafford Way, The Anchor Residency will feature two contemporary apartment buildings of eight and 13 storeys, creating a prominent gateway into the emerging neighbourhood.
The scheme represents the latest stage in the transformation of Trafford Waters following the completion of the area’s first affordable housing development in partnership with L&Q earlier this year and the opening of Montpelier Estates and Tanglewood Care Homes’ elderly care facility in 2025.
Together, these developments are helping to establish a diverse residential offer, supporting Peel Waters’ ambition to create a thriving and inclusive community.
Trafford Waters forms the residential-led district of TraffordCity, one of the UK’s leading retail, leisure and employment destinations. Residents will have access to a wide range of attractions, including Trafford Centre, Trafford Palazzo, Chill Factore, FIVES Soccer Centre and Trafford Golf Centre. The £550 million Therme Manchester wellbeing resort is also under construction, alongside further investment projects such as The Padel Club.
Mark Lyons, managing director at Bridgestone Construction, said: “The Anchor Residency is one of those developments where the scale of the wider vision is immediately apparent. This isn’t just about delivering another apartment building; it’s about contributing to the long-term transformation of one of Greater Manchester’s most exciting growth areas.
“With Peel’s investment, the continued expansion of TraffordCity, the arrival of Therme Manchester and excellent connections to Manchester city centre, the area has all the ingredients to become one of the region’s most desirable places to live.
“We’re proud to be playing our part in that transformation and look forward to delivering a development that will become an important part of Trafford Waters’ continued success.”
James Whittaker, managing director of Peel Waters, added: “The start of construction on The Anchor Residency is another significant step forward for Trafford Waters and demonstrates the continued momentum behind our plans to deliver a vibrant new waterside neighbourhood at TraffordCity.
“This development will provide much-needed new homes and, importantly, will be the first high-rise residential scheme delivered at Trafford Waters. Alongside the affordable homes delivered with L&Q and the recently completed Trafford Waters Care Home, it reflects our commitment to creating a mixed and balanced community that caters for people at every stage of life.
“We’re pleased to be working with Bridgestone Construction to bring forward this important development and look forward to seeing the neighbourhood continue to take shape over the coming years.”
Trafford Council leader Cllr Tom Ross said: “Trafford Council is pleased to have played a part in enabling the development of TraffordCity and is delighted that construction has started on this superb new neighbourhood. The Council is totally committed to providing a range of new and affordable homes across the borough.”
The Anchor Residency forms part of the first phase of residential development at Trafford Waters on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal. Once complete, the wider neighbourhood will provide up to 3,000 homes, extensive public realm, a new primary school, amenity space and approximately 20 acres of open space.
Its location within TraffordCity places residents close to major employment, retail and leisure destinations including Trafford Park, MediaCity, Old Trafford and Trafford Centre, while benefiting from future investment planned across the wider area.
Completion of The Anchor Residency is expected in autumn 2028.