Hong Kong contractor CR Construction has secured a significant contract for a substantial regeneration project in Manchester. This new agreement marks a major step in the £4bn development of the city’s Red Bank neighbourhood.
- The project involves constructing 895 homes for developer Far East Consortium, in collaboration with Manchester City Council.
- The regeneration initiative includes replacing former railway sidings with towering residential blocks and promises extensive housing over the next two decades.
- The Red Bank initiative is part of a broader scheme, Victoria North, which will deliver over 15,000 homes in the area by 2039.
- This contract signifies CR Construction’s expanding footprint in the UK, complementing its other development projects in London.
In a pivotal move, Hong Kong-based CR Construction has secured a £210m contract integral to Manchester’s expansive £4bn regeneration project. The construction is a crucial phase in developing the Red Bank neighbourhood, with CR Construction collaborating closely with the Far East Consortium and Manchester City Council.
The ambitious plan includes building 895 homes on the site of former railway sidings, aiming to revitalise the area north of the River Irk. This segment is part of the larger Victoria North initiative, which is poised to deliver more than 15,000 homes across 155 hectares in the following two decades.
Detailed planning for the Red Bank project was greenlit in August 2023, allowing for construction to commence once the enabling works, currently managed by Bam Nuttall, are completed early next year. The urban transformation includes the erection of four residential blocks rising up to 34 storeys, enhancing the skyline and providing much-needed housing options.
Of the 5,500 homes projected for Red Bank over the next 15 years, a substantial 4,800 have already received at least outline planning permission. This progress illustrates the project’s significant momentum and the commitment of involved parties to meet ambitious housing targets.
CR Construction’s involvement doesn’t end with Red Bank. The company is also spearheading the Victoria Riverside project, adding 634 homes to the area, including 128 categorised as affordable housing. This development is progressing, with its first phase nearing completion and the second phase expected by early 2025.
Calum Kidd, UK Managing Director of CR Construction, highlighted the importance of this contract in establishing the company’s growing presence in the UK market. This deal complements their £37m office refurbishment project in central London, reflecting their strategic expansion beyond residential development.
The Far East Consortium, a significant player in this endeavour, has been active in the UK since 2011 and has previously commissioned the construction of a 65-storey mixed-use tower in Canary Wharf. Their ongoing efforts align with their broad international footprint across 10 countries.
CR Construction’s contract for the Red Bank project is a testament to its growing influence and commitment to reshaping urban environments in the UK.
