Trinity Islands, Manchester
In July 2017, Trinity Islands, touted as ‘Manchester’s first vertical village’, received planning permission from Manchester City Council.
Due to be the tallest residential scheme in North West England, the project was designed by award-winning architects Child Graddon Lewis (CGL). The towers will be 213 m tall, overtaking Beetham Tower which is currently the city's second tallest building at 169 m.
The project is intended to form ‘distinctive riverside communities along the Irwell’; a mixed-use development consisting of 1,400 homes within five towers. Prospective residents will be offered the choice to buy or opt to join private residential communities (PRC).
The towers will include farmer’s markets, retail units and educational facilities forming the core of a city-centre 'village'. It will boast independent bars supporting locally-brewed craft beer, cafes, communities galleries and event spaces, as well as a new boat club with access to the Irwell.
The project seeks to emulate the recent success at Leeds Dock, which was also designed by CGL. However, it has not been without its critics. The plans have been condemned by the Victorian Society, which is concerned that the 'gargantuan scale of the towers…would conflict with the prevailing character and defining aspects of the area.'
James Sidlow, project director at Allied London, said; “Trinity Islands’ appeals to a wide variety of people with its excellent onsite amenity and community-lead retail offering, as well as its sky gardens and lounges that allow residents to relax and unwind. One of the tallest residential schemes in Western Europe, residents will enjoy some of Manchester’s most scenic views”.
Greg Jones, associate director at Child Graddon Lewis, said; “Since our initial appointment, it’s been a real privilege working on the design for Allied London’s visionary new scheme. The aim of Trinity Islands is to provide Manchester with the opportunity to create a world-class neighbourhood and a self-sustaining community of residents and workers. This is a project that goes beyond what’s required and not only creates housing, a well-known priority for the UK, but rather an environment that benefits local communities".
Allied London intend to start construction towards the end of 2017.
For more information, visit www.cgluk.com
Content and images courtesy CGL.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.
Future Homes Building Standards and plug-in solar
Parts F and L amendments, the availability of solar panels and industry responses.
How later living housing can help solve the housing crisis
Unlocking homes, unlocking lives.
Preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the BSA
A new practical guide to preparing structural inputs for safety cases and safety case reports published by IStructE.
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.

























