Pomona Island

June 2015 the last post of the lost last posts of Pomona.

April 2020 a history and appraisal of Pomona Gardens – the undergrowth having recently having had a trim.

What were once opulent Pleasure Gardens now await the Midas touch of Peek Holdings.

What knows what fates awaits you?

Long-awaited plans to redevelop the 26-acre swathe of land will not come forward until Peel L&P and Trafford Council reach an accord on the level of affordable housing to be provided on a separate project. 

In 2021, Peel lodged plans for a 162-apartment build-to-rent scheme on part of Pomona Island.  

The project featured no on-site affordable housing provision – although Peel did offer a ‘significant financial contribution’ towards off-site affordable housing – and Trafford Council subsequently recommended the development be refused. 

This promoted Peel to withdraw the £35m proposals before they were discussed at committee. 

Place Northwest 2022

The 2023 iteration of the project, part of the developer’s Manchester Waters masterplan, also features no on-site affordable homes. 

However, as part of the proposals, Peel will be making a contribution equivalent to 20% affordable housing within Trafford, the developer said. The earlier iteration proposed 5%.

Place Northwest 2023

The proposed nature reserve seem like a distant dream

Despite suggestions that Pomona could become the Eden Project of the north, 3,000 homes are planned for the site by owners Peel L&P and the first development, Pomona Wharf, is already complete.

This green space could have been a globally significant urban park, and a powerful statement of Manchester’s commitment to fighting climate change and protecting green spaces.

Unfortunately, the city chose more apartments and financial growth over the natural world and not for the first time – Luke Blazejewski.

The Big Issue

So once again we venture down the rabbit hole of a hole in the fence by Cornbrook.