First Street Regeneration
Location: Manchester
Sector: Residential Property
Project Overview
The First Street regeneration project transformed a prominent brownfield site in central Manchester into a thriving mixed-use neighbourhood. With over 800 new homes delivered as part of First Street South and 2 million sq ft of commercial and cultural space developed across the wider masterplan, this high-profile project demanded infrastructure that could meet modern standards of efficiency and sustainability. VIP supported the development across multiple phases, supplying sanitaryware and metering solutions to meet the needs of a complex, multi-use environment.
Our Approach
Given the scale and diversity of the First Street masterplan – spanning offices, residential towers, leisure venues, and public spaces – VIP worked closely with stakeholders to identify product solutions suitable for high-performance, urban buildings. We supplied a selection of WRAS-approved sanitary items including infrared sensor taps, which offered both hygiene and water-saving benefits. Alongside this, we delivered pulsed-output water meters to support real-time monitoring via the buildings’ smart management systems. Our team’s product expertise and responsive support were key in helping the project meet both building regulation requirements and sustainability benchmarks like BREEAM.
Execution
The infrastructure roll-out took place over several years and construction phases, involving a mixture of residential and commercial buildings across the First Street South and Central zones. Our deliveries were carefully scheduled to align with each building’s fit-out programme, helping avoid delays and enabling seamless installation. The water meters we supplied were compatible with site-wide BMS integration, supporting the project’s commitment to smart infrastructure and water efficiency. Our infrared taps were installed in high-footfall public areas and commercial facilities, selected for both their durability and low-maintenance operation.
The Outcome
VIP’s contribution helped ensure the delivery of water-efficient, future-ready buildings that aligned with First Street’s sustainability and performance goals. Our products supported the achievement of high environmental standards, including BREEAM ‘Excellent’ ratings across multiple plots. The regeneration now stands as one of Manchester’s most successful mixed-use developments – and our involvement demonstrates how VIP’s expertise, reliable service and product quality can make a meaningful impact on major urban schemes.
