Construction starts on Manchester Life’s latest Ancoats schemes
John Sisk & Son has started work on Eliza Yard and Jersey Wharf – two eight-storey blocks that will overlook the Rochdale Canal.
Manchester Life’s latest Ancoats projects are expected to welcome residents in mid-2026.
Jersey Wharf will offer 190 homes on a 1.3-acre site. Its housing mix will consist of 57 single-bed apartments, 122 two-beds, and six three-bedroom flats.
In addition to the flats, Jersey Wharf will offer 6,000 sq ft of commercial space and residential amenities.
The slightly smaller Eliza Yard will offer 126 rental flats and 4,250 sq ft of commercial space.
Plans originally only suggested 118 flats, but the number of flats was raised to 126 to ensure the project’s ongoing viability.
The proposed housing mix will see 40 single-bed flats, 80 two-beds, and six three-bed homes offered to the Ancoats area.
Eliza Yard will have solar panels on its roof and will be powered by an all-electric energy system.
The two buildings stand opposite each other, with Eliza Yard situated on the corner of Poland Street.
Both developments will provide concierge services, outdoor living space, and secure bicycle parking.
Jersey Wharf will be the larger of the two blocks. Credit: Sisk
Managing director of Sisk UK North Alan Rodger, said: “Our partnership, built on trust and collaboration, has enabled us to transform Ancoats while meeting Manchester’s housing needs.
“We look forward to delivering these landmark projects, creating lasting employment opportunities in Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham, Sisk is well-positioned to provide high-quality, sustainable homes.”
Marty Edelman, Manchester Life’s executive chairman, commented: “Poland Street is central to Manchester City Council’s long-term vision for East Manchester, a vision we share and have worked in partnership to transform into vibrant residential communities.
“From the start, Sisk has played a pivotal role in delivering transformative developments, making them the right partner for Eliza Yard and Jersey Wharf – both critical to Ancoats’ continued growth as a thriving neighbourhood”
Manchester Life is a joint venture between Manchester City Council and Acre Capital Real Estate, of which Manchester City FC owner, Sheikh Mansour is the majority shareholder.
Manchester Life has worked extensively on developments at New Islington Marina, such as Cotton Field Wharf and Weavers Quay.
The project team for Eliza Yard and Jersey Wharf includes Mace as project manager, Buro Happold as MEP engineer, T&T as the cost manager, and Curtins as the civil and structural engineer.
Architects Arcadis, Buttress, and PRP designed the plans.
To view the plans, use the references 133769/FO/2022 for Jersey Wharf, and 130354/FO/2021 for Eliza Yard in Manchester City Council’s planning portal.
Is there any parking included?
By ParkingSpaceRentals
How disappointing that they don’t have any balconies. We need to raise aspirations here and not aim city centre housing at students or short term rentals. Few people want to stay long term in a unit without outdoor space, particularly in a city with such a dearth of decent public realm.
By Balcony watch
One of these days the planning department in Liverpool might ok something too
By Anonymous
Awful design.
By Anonymous
Yet another mediocre design. Get rid of the 2 faux brick Wings and keep the centre piece and it will look alot better
By John
OK ChatGTP… Design the blandest, most lacklustre block of flats…
By Bernard Fender
Isn’t there a committee to over see design quality in Manchester. This already looks terribly outdated. I’ve seen better designs in Venezuela. Where is the ambition? Does Manchester have any?
By John
These blocks looked better when it had balconies, the elevations had more depth and interest and more importantly, an amenity for grown up households to use to escape the confines of a flat. They look like cheap build-to-rent or student blocks now.
By Balcony watch