Bosses’ voice delight at progress of £23m Pomona Island

Bosses of the company carrying out the controversial £23m Pomona Island private rental project in Manchester say they are delighted with the progress of the scheme.

Managing director of Stockport-based SCC Design and Build, Eamonn O’Donnell said he believed the project would be “good for the city” despite concerns raised by nearby residents raising a petition against the scheme when it was tabled last year.

The concrete specialist supplied pre-cast external panels for two high-rise residential blocks of 164 number apartments, for client Rowlinson Constructions.

The work was completed in 29 weeks from the site commencement in August, 2016.

Pomona Island is a 22-acre site straddling Salford, Trafford and Manchester, sitting on the Manchester Ship and Bridgewater Canals.

It was once a thriving dockland but has laid dormant for decades. Property giant Peel and developers Rowlinson filed plans to turn Pomona Island into a thriving neighbourhood, set to be renamed Manchester Waters.

Phase two, which could see more than 3,000 apartments eventually built there, is expected to be completed in 2019.

The apartments boast a prime waterside location, next to the Cornbrook Metro link station and a stone’s throw from Old Trafford and Salford Quays.

O’Donnell explains: “There is an on-going tension between developing areas of the city and understanding the impact this will have on the environment.

“The petition and concerns raised by some members of the public were heard and played a big part in the decisions made about how best to bring this project to life.”

He added: “The demand for new housing is at its highest level, with Manchester now needing one new home per hour. We are a pioneer of alternative methods of construction and are delighted to have been involved in this project. All things considered, we feel it will be a positive development for the city, when you consider the supply-side benefits.”