Council to sell £1m plot after stalled development

A £1m canalside plot is being sold by Tameside Council (TMBC) after developers failed to build anything on the land.

Councillors expected work to have progressed on the 2.3-acre Lock Keepers site in Droylsden town centre, alongside the 100-plus homes Watkin Jones previously built by the new marina. 

However, despite the land being earmarked for development as far back as 2005, it remains unused and overgrown. 

TMBC removed Watkin Jones from a development agreement in 2021, when the authority valued the land at £1m, and are now searching for another firm to remodel the site.  

Cllr Hugh Roderick, TMBC’s finance and resources lead: “We are excited that this important site is now coming to the market, which we see of strategic significance in the regeneration of the town centre and wider East Manchester area. 

“The council are in the process of finalising a masterplan for the town centre with a focus on creating a thriving environment and a renewed sense of place.  

“There will be emphasis on bringing new homes to the town, a revitalised shopping, retail and hospitality offer, as well as improved connections into and around the town for the townspeople and visitors alike.” 

Knight Frank, a ‘global real estate consultant’ are tasked with finding a buyer. 

One of the firm’s partners, Mark Bamber, said: “We expect a strong level of demand for the site with its attractive waterside setting in a highly accessible position just a short walk to the local amenities of the town centre.”