In Manchester’s vibrant Red Bank neighbourhood, an exciting 322-home development called Kingfisher is set to take shape. This project is a significant part of the £4bn Victoria North regeneration initiative.
Kingfisher will offer modern one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments with a focus on energy efficiency and connectivity to nature. This development aims to enhance the city’s green living standards and provide extensive amenities for future residents.
Introduction of Kingfisher Development
In Manchester’s vibrant Red Bank neighbourhood, a new 322-home development called Kingfisher has been proposed. This is part of the £4bn Victoria North regeneration project led by Far East Consortium (FEC).
Kingfisher will include modern one-, two-, and three-bedroom open-plan apartments located on Dantzic Street. These homes will offer stunning views of Manchester, joining the recently launched 189-home Falcon at Red Bank Riverside. More than 2,000 homes are set to be delivered in the neighbourhood.
High Specification and Energy-Efficient Homes
Kingfisher has been designed with high-specification standards in mind. The homes will be energy-efficient, employing low-carbon technology such as air source heat pumps and photovoltaic solar panels.
Each apartment will feature floor-to-ceiling windows framed by unique perforated panels. These panels are designed to encourage natural ventilation and maximise daylight, enhancing the living experience.
Beyond individual homes, residents will benefit from shared amenities. These include a lounge, co-working space, fitness and wellness suite, rooftop bar, and restaurant with an outdoor terrace.
Red Bank Riverside and Community Amenities
Residents of Kingfisher will enjoy access to various amenities in Red Bank Riverside. Private podium gardens will be available, as well as public realm spaces flanked by Dantzic Street and Dulwich Street.
The area will offer commercial venues for dining, music, and social activities. Red Bank is growing as a hotspot for retail, food, and drink, featuring many loved restaurants, bars, and micro-producers.
Notable establishments include Fairfield Social Club, Half Dozen Other bakery, Foundation Coffee, and Green Arches Brewery and Bar. The Michelin Guide-listed restaurant, The Spärrows, is also nearby.
Proximity to MeadowSide and City River Park
Kingfisher is conveniently located just a short walk from the MeadowSide scheme. MeadowSide offers various community events for local residents at Angel Meadow Park.
This proposed development is also near City River Park, set to become Manchester city centre’s largest park. The park will revitalise more than 113 acres along the River Irk with new walking and cycling routes.
City River Park is part of the broader ‘Wild Urbanism’ concept. This initiative aims to blend nature with city life by connecting the Irk Valley to the urban environment.
Affordable Housing and Future Developments
Kingfisher will sit adjacent to the Victoria Riverside scheme, where 634 homes are under construction. Of these, 128 homes will be available on an affordable basis through shared ownership and rent-to-buy options.
These affordable homes will be managed by the housing association L&Q. Red Bank is also close to the MeadowSide neighbourhood, which recently sold all 422 completed homes around Angel Meadow Park.
Kingfisher is the latest addition to the Victoria North project, which spans seven new and existing neighbourhoods. This ambitious project aims to deliver 15,000 new homes over the next decade.
Developer’s Vision and Community Impact
Andrew Bradley-Nixon, Sales and Marketing Director at FEC, stated: ‘Progress on the UK’s largest regeneration project continues at pace. Making Kingfisher available to prospective owners is the latest milestone.’
Bradley-Nixon added that Kingfisher epitomises the modern leisure and hospitality uses planned for the area. The homes aim to create a new neighbourhood focused on nature and social connections.
‘Homes that are better connected to nature are something that Manchester has been sorely missing,’ he said. The future City River Park will position the city as a leader in integrating nature into urban living.
Summary of Victoria North Programme
The £4bn Victoria North programme represents the largest urban regeneration project in Manchester’s history. It aims to deliver 15,000 new homes across seven neighbourhoods over the next decade.
Kingfisher, along with other projects like Falcon and Victoria Riverside, is a significant part of this initiative. These developments aim to transform the area into a vibrant community with modern amenities.
The inclusion of affordable housing options and the focus on connectivity to nature highlight the project’s commitment to creating a sustainable and inclusive urban environment.
In conclusion, the Kingfisher project represents a significant stride in urban regeneration and sustainable living in Manchester. By blending modern amenities with green spaces and affordable housing, the development aims to foster a thriving, inclusive community.
The ambitious Victoria North programme, of which Kingfisher is a part, highlights Manchester’s commitment to future-proofing its urban landscape. With an emphasis on connectivity to nature and social spaces, the city is setting new standards for urban living. The development promises to enhance residents’ quality of life by creating a balanced environment that meets diverse needs. This project is poised to transform Manchester’s skyline and community life sustainably and inclusively.
