Council unveils £1.2bn strategy to make Trafford Park greener
A plan aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the 1,180-acre industrial complex and transforming it into a has been developed.
Trafford Park, home to more than 1,300 businesses, represents the “largest opportunity in the borough to make an impact at scale” as the council aims to be net zero by 2038.
The Greening Trafford Park infrastructure framework, drawn up by consultancies Arup and Groundwork, has identified opportunities across the park to improve transport and green infrastructure networks by pivoting to renewable energy and encouraging active travel.
It is thought these interventions, which would be made between 2023 to 2038, could reduce annual emissions from 245,161 tCO2 to 42,656 tCO2 at a cost of £1.2bn, according to a report to Trafford Council’s executive.
The framework aims to help Trafford Park become a “thriving and sustainable employment area which is a healthy, attractive place for the local community, and a catalyst for sustainable green jobs”, according to the framework.
Proposed interventions include the introduction of sustainable drainage solutions across the park, converting disused rail lines into green routes, and creating a low-traffic neighbourhood within Trafford Village.
The option of a 65km underground district heat network is also listed among the possible interventions.
Excellent proposal, looking forward to seeing more detail.
By Anonymous
It’s a good sign for Manchester when it’s making these type of improvements to its industrial parks, but it definitely needs it.
By Anonymous
Well, I’m all for investing to make our cities more environmentally sustainable. Imagine if £1.2 billion was set aside to start on a proper metro system for our city? Now that would help improve its environmental impact
By Jo
this sounds great, living very close to Trafford park along the Bridgewater its great to see some of our concerns considered here. safer and greener travel in this area would be so beneficial to us and many people who live (and work) in the area.
By Anonymous
Long overdue, there have been many opportunities for low carbon projects that haven’t had support
By Anonymous
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a document that says so little in so many pages
By allergic to squirrels
Anyone got the east side of Page 54?
By Albert
I wonder what is meant by a “low traffic neighbourhood”? Does this mean putting barriers up so the traffic has to take an alternative route? Similar to what they have tried in Oxford. Or maybe turning roads in to bus gates, like Oxford Road
By Dave
Dave – LTNs create a plan to divert heavy traffic around certain streets and neighbourhoods to make those streets better and safer for pedestrians. There is strong evidence that they increase the attractiveness of walking and cycling for people to reach their destinations, which creates a reduction in traffic.
By Anonymous
As someone who walks and cycles around Trafford Park regularly, this is very welcome news and it could be fantastic.
By Anonymous
Surely £1.2bn ought to be spent to improve areas of the north in dire need of ‘levelling up’ rather than this area which already has motorway, tram, shops and leisure facilities galore? This money would go a helluva long way in Barnsley, Accrington, Bradford and Workington or why not spread across all of these?
By Geoff