L&Q at Victoria Riverside has been named Best New Development in the North at the First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards 2026, recognising the Manchester city centre development as a standout place for first-time buyers to call home.
The annual awards celebrate the very best of the first-time buyer market, with the Best New Development in the North category recognising developments that combine exceptional homes with quality design, affordability and accessibility for those taking their first step onto the property ladder.
Located in Manchester’s emerging Red Bank neighbourhood, L&Q at Victoria Riverside offers 128 one- and two-bedroom Shared Ownership apartments, giving first-time buyers an affordable opportunity to own a home within walking distance of the city centre.
Claire Brenlund, Sales and Marketing Director at L&Q, comments: “We’re incredibly proud that L&Q at Victoria Riverside has been named Best New Development in the North. From the outset, we wanted to create somewhere that gives first-time buyers the opportunity to enjoy everything that comes with city living – a beautifully designed home, fantastic resident amenities and an exciting neighbourhood on the doorstep – at a price that makes homeownership more accessible.
“Red Bank is already developing into a fantastic community, with so much still to come as part of the wider Victoria North regeneration. This award is a brilliant recognition of what makes L&Q at Victoria Riverside such a special place to take that first step onto the property ladder.”
Offering much more than a place to call home, residents have access to a range of amenities including a concierge service, state-of-the-art gym and a residents-only lounge and co-working space. Opening directly onto a private landscaped podium garden, the lounge provides a space to work from home, catch up with neighbours or simply relax away from the bustle of the city.
Inside, the Shared Ownership apartments have been finished to a sleek and modern specification. Kitchens are available in light and dark finishes and come complete with integrated appliances, while floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the views across Manchester. With white goods included as standard, the homes are ready to move into from day one – helping first-time buyers avoid some of the additional upfront costs that can come with furnishing a first home.
L&Q at Victoria Riverside sits within Red Bank, one of the first neighbourhoods being delivered as part of Victoria North, the North of England’s largest urban regeneration project. A joint venture between Far East Consortium (FEC) and Manchester City Council, the £4bn masterplan will deliver more than 15,000 homes across seven new and existing neighbourhoods over the next 15 years, alongside new green spaces, workplaces and community infrastructure.
For buyers moving into Red Bank now, a new community is already taking shape. Independent businesses include a brewery, bakery and Michelin Guide-listed restaurant The Spärrows, while pop-ups, events and community activities take place throughout the year. Manchester city centre is also on the doorstep, putting its restaurants, bars, shops and cultural destinations within easy reach.
Residents are well connected across Manchester and beyond, with Manchester Victoria station and Shudehill Interchange both a short walk from home. Manchester Victoria is around a ten-minute walk away, offering connections to destinations including Manchester Airport, Chester and Liverpool.
One-bedroom homes at L&Q at Victoria Riverside currently start from £61,875 for a 25% share (full market value: £247,500). Two-bedroom apartments start from £83,750 for a 25% share (full market value: £335,000).
For more information on homes available at L&Q at Victoria Riverside, visit: https://lqhomes.com/victoriariverside/
First Time Buyer is an exciting bi-monthly glossy which takes a stylish and comprehensive look at all the options available, setting them out in an entertaining and informative way, and helping potential customers navigate their way through what is often a daunting and complex process. We dispel the myths, reinforce the facts and arm the reader with the tools necessary to make their homeownership dreams a reality.