Topping out celebrates construction milestone at Islington Wharf Locks in Manchester

Urban waterfront regeneration specialists, Waterside Places, has marked a major milestone at Islington Wharf Locks, the third phase of homes at its Islington Wharf scheme in Ancoats, with a traditional ‘topping out’ ceremony.

The event – which celebrates the construction of the building reaching its highest point – was attended by representatives from Waterside Places and Eric Wright Construction, who are delivering the project.

The first homes will be ready to move into from summer 2019. Once completed, the scheme will feature a mix of apartments; two, three and four-bedroom mews houses and three and four-bedroom town houses set around a central courtyard on the banks of the Ashton Canal.

The first homes were released for sale off-plan in April with a number of properties snapped up by purchasers over the launch weekend.

Andrew Barton, project manager at Waterside Places said: “The topping out event marks a key milestone in the progress and delivery of this sought-after residential area in Manchester city centre. Waterside Places recognised early on the potential of Ancoats and now, more than a decade after we first started building homes here, it is one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in the city. The area has really evolved over the years and now benefits from brilliant local amenities, including New Islington School, and a growing number of bars, restaurants and cultural facilities which are attracting people of all ages to put down roots here.”

John Wilson, managing director at Eric Wright Construction, said: “Today marks the team’s achievements since starting on site and is an important milestone towards completion early next year. Islington Wharf is one of a number of urban living schemes that we’re underway with throughout central Manchester.  The scheme has also created numerous jobs locally with more than 70 per cent of the project team living in the area and we’re also committed to upskilling the local workforce by offering apprenticeships and work placements throughout the project.”

Homes at Islington Wharf Locks have been thoughtfully designed to make the most of this waterside setting with every home offering its own outdoor space including balconies, roof or garden terraces and courtyards.

There are a range of layouts to choose from, offering a home to suit every life stage from first-time buyers to second-steppers and growing families. Every home features fully-fitted kitchens, bathrooms, en-suites and high-quality fixtures and fittings throughout. Selected townhouses and mews homes also offer garages – a rarity in the city centre.