WATERHOUSE GARDENS

Waterhouse Gardens is set within the historic site of the former Boddingtons Brewery, a location with deep cultural significance to Manchester.

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Designed to become a vibrant new neighbourhood, the scheme will deliver 556 high-spec homes alongside 30,000 sq ft of commercial space, all just minutes from the Northern Quarter.

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Residents will benefit from access to a private clubhouse with premium amenities including a swimming pool, spa, squash court, and co-working spaces. Complementing the residential offering will be independent shops, bars, and landscaped communal gardens, all connected by a central pedestrian avenue.

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Once complete, Waterhouse Gardens will represent one of Manchester’s most desirable addresses for students and young professionals.

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Novo’s Role

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Novo was appointed at a pivotal stage in the project, with planning already secured but new fire safety regulations including BS 9991 (2024) and the Building Safety Act coming into force.

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Our role was to work closely with the design team to integrate essential life safety systems while preserving the integrity of the scheme. This included:

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• Introducing smoke ventilation strategies.

• Designing for second stair provision.

• Adding commercial sprinkler systems.

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Importantly, these changes were achieved without reducing apartment numbers or increasing floor area, ensuring that the development remained commercially viable while fully compliant.

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Novo have also provided MEP design services from RIBA Stage 3 to completion, tailoring solutions to meet both safety requirements and sustainability goals. Key contributions include:

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• Incorporation of photovoltaic systems to drive energy efficiency.

• Exceeding Manchester City Council’s planning requirements on sustainability performance.

• Coordination across six blocks (A–F), including residential, retail, and commercial uses.

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Novo are proud to be working alongside Salboy and our partners in the Domis Group as well as Artal, Studio Power and Renaissance.

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Together, we are delivering a scheme that not only enhances Manchester’s skyline but also creates a thriving community hub in the heart of the city.