Work has commenced on the former site of the Boddingtons Brewery, with the £195m regeneration of the renowned 52,700 sq ft plot on the northern edge of central Manchester having been "long-awaited".

DOMIS, Salboy's dedicated construction partner, has mobilised on site with groundworks under way.

Construction is scheduled for completion in Q2 2026 after the original 2018 planning application – made by Assael Architecture – was later revised and modernised by Architect Studio Power.

After the Boddingtons Brewery ceased operations in 2005, proposed schemes for the site became known as Old Brewery Gardens.

Salboy has renamed the development Waterhouse Gardens, paying homage to Alfred Waterhouse, one of the most successful Victorian architects whose work included Manchester Town Hall and Manchester's Strangeways Gaol.

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."

Salboy acquired the site in December 2022 with the intention to develop a mixed-used scheme across five buildings, including a 20-storey tower, and a landscaped public realm.

It will comprise 556 city centre homes, 31,000 sq ft of commercial and retail space, as well as access for residents to their own onsite clubhouse that offers swimming pools, squash and basketball courts, lounges and games rooms, private dining, a cinema room, meeting rooms, work spaces and a private landscaped garden.

Ismail added:

"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."

Graham + Sibbald is advising Salboy on the commercial space within Waterhouse Gardens. Director Conor Mulloy said:

"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."