A new waterfront neighbourhood planned for Droylsden Marina.

We submitted 100% Affordable Homes Plan for Droylsden Marina with True North

We have submitted a planning application for the transformation of Droylsden Marina, following a period of community engagement and detailed design development.

The submission sets out a vision for a waterfront neighbourhood comprising 192 100% affordable homes, that will deliver one of Tameside’s most important regeneration opportunities. The project continues to be supported by Legal & General Affordable Housing, who will be the Registered Provider for the affordable housing.

Local residents and stakeholders were invited to review the emerging proposals in April, with feedback now incorporated into the final plans. Insights from the consultation helped shape elements including landscaping, building articulation, and the public realm; including the approach to the ground‑floor community-focused activity around the Marina.

The application is supported by a full Transport Assessment and Travel Plan, a Daylight and Sunlight Assessment, and a Construction Management Plan, which respond directly to the points raised through the consultation. A Statement of Community Involvement documents the engagement process and a response to the feedback received.

The proposed development occupies a prominent site between Manchester Road and the waterfront, bringing new life to a long‑vacant plot. The plans include three apartment buildings and a series of duplex homes at ground level, arranged to maximise natural light and views across the Marina, Ashton Canal and towards the Pennines and Manchester city centre. A proposed community hub will help animate the waterfront and strengthen connections between the Marina and Droylsden town centre.

Gareth Walsh, Director at True North Partnerships, said: “Droylsden Marina has real potential, and getting there has taken genuine collaboration — with Tameside Council, with CERT, and above all with the people who live here. The feedback we received in April has shaped the scheme in ways that matter, particularly around the waterfront and the public spaces. We’re pleased to have reached submission and look forward to continuing to work with the council as the application progresses.”

Stephen Oster, our Head of Acquisitions and Development at CERT, comments: “Droylsden Marina presents a significant opportunity to deliver a scheme of strong identity and character, in a unique waterside setting. We’ve worked with True North Partnerships and the wider project team with a clear focus; to develop a scheme that provides affordable housing of genuine high-quality. Reaching this stage is an important milestone, and we look forward to progressing the plans with Tameside Council.”

Councillor Andrew McLaren, Tameside Council Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Growth, Housing and Homelessness said: “Droylsden Marina reflects the kind of good growth we want to drive across Tameside, working with partners to regenerate underused land into affordable, high-quality and well-connected places to live. Access to affordable homes is key to helping people build their lives and careers in the borough, and it is important for us that this site delivers that, whilst helping realise the potential of the town’s waterfront.”

Architecturally, the scheme draws inspiration from local materials and the industrial heritage of the area, with articulated massing, contemporary brick detailing and active street frontages. Landscaped communal spaces will provide opportunities for recreation and social interaction, while secure cycle storage and surface parking spaces support sustainable and accessible living.

CGI images created by Bowker Sadler Architecture illustrate the vision for a vibrant, contemporary waterfront neighbourhood that reinforces the Marina as a focal point for the town.

Enabl is advising us on our planning.

The Droylsden Marina proposal builds on a period of strong momentum, we have a development pipeline of over 500 homes and over 1.3 million sq ft under management nationwide across asset classes spanning residential, office, retail, and industrial with our in-house property management team.