WORK on a massive £1billion project to build 4,300 new homes in east Manchester will soon get under way.

The 95-acre Holt Town Waterfront - between Miles Platting, Sportcity and New Islington - is the largest planning application ever to be approved in Manchester, as well as being one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK.

The new urban quarter will not only provide new homes built over the next 10-15 years, but also a new primary school, a river valley park, a new Metrolink tram stop, studio/office accommodation and a range of shops, bars and restaurants.

Developer Cibitas is working in partnership with the council and regeneration body New East Manchester.

Eddie Smith, chief executive of New East Manchester, said: "This is another huge milestone for east Manchester.

"Holt Town Waterfront is an exciting opportunity to create a new concept in family housing that is unique to Manchester."

The new neighbourhood, with 'pocket park' open spaces and eco-homes, will have a mix of main roads, residential streets, mews and pedestrian routes.

Outline planning permission was granted in January, but full plans have now got the go-ahead.