From luxury skyscrapers to a towering office block: The major plans given the go-ahead in Manchester

Thousands of flats and several skyscrapers have been given the green light in Manchester city centre so far this year alongside other major developments.

Manchester council's planning committee has met monthly since the start of 2022 to vote on huge proposals – some of which have caused controversy. Developer Renaker has had six skyscrapers featuring almost 2,000 flats and acres of green space approved, but none of this housing would be deemed 'affordable'.

In January, a 17-storey office block in Deansgate was approved despite many residents at the apartment building opposite objecting to the revised proposal. And last month, plans to extend Hough End Leisure Centre by developing the fields off Princess Road were also given the go ahead following angry protests.

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Here are the major developments that have been approved so far this year.

Four skyscrapers with 1,950 flats at Trinity Islands

A nine-year project to build four skyscrapers - including one which would be the second tallest building in the city - were given the green light in February. The apartment blocks, ranging from 39 to 60 storeys in height, are planned for two parcels of land on the banks of the River Irwell known as Trinity Islands.

The 'elegant' buildings featuring 1,950 flats would be located on land between Regent Road, Liverpool Road and Water Street which is currently a car park. Nearly two-thirds of the site off Trinity Way will be turned into green space which will be twice the size of Cathedral Gardens and open to the public.

However, none of the new apartments would be deemed affordable as the developer said this would affect the financial viability of the