Demolition begins for 80-flat development by Old Trafford Cricket Ground

Affordable apartments in the third block of the development opposite Old Trafford Metrolink station on Warwick Road South will be available for purchase via shared ownership, it has been confirmed.

Demolition of largely derelict buildings has started to make way for the Southway Housing Trust and McGoff Construction scheme.

This will be made up of one five-storey and two four-storey apartment blocks.

Estimated completion of the development was originally August next year, but it is now expected to be December 2025.

All the homes will be offered on affordable tenures to meet the needs of first-time buyers and other qualifying households. Two of the three blocks will provide much-needed affordable rent homes.

The shared ownership offer will allow potential first time buyers access to a brand-new home which may otherwise be out of reach.

Victor (Old Trafford), a joint venture between Victor at MC Construction and the McGoff Group, submitted is behind the project being developed with the Southway Housing Trust.

The scheme, designed by Corstorphine and Wright, was approved at Trafford Council’s planning committee in June last year.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority has given funding to the project through the Brownfield Housing Fund under the government’s Levelling Up programme, and the affordable homes scheme.

Mike Purcell, development director of Victor, said: “We are delighted to see our regeneration ambitions, which began in 2016, progress to an on-site project due to the hard work and perseverance of the various parties involved. We look forward to seeing these quality and truly affordable homes take shape.”

All site works, including demolition, are being undertaken by McGoff.

Dean Johnston, group managing director of McGoff Construction Services, added: “We are looking forward to getting the construction process underway and delivering these much-needed quality homes for the Trafford community.”

Karen Mitchell, chief executive of Southway Housing Trust, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with partners to bring a site which is largely derelict back into use and to be able to provide affordable homes in an area with excellent transport links.

“Developing homes in that area within the budget of local people can be really challenging, and we’re delighted we can help meet this need in Trafford’s communities. We will continue to look for more opportunities to work with our partners to provide high quality, sustainable and affordable homes for people in housing need.”

Demolition work on derelict buildings at Warwick Road South has begun, to make way for an 80-apartment development. Credit: Philosophy PR

Cllr James Wright, Trafford Council’s executive member for housing and advice, added: “We are delighted to be partners in this exciting project, which is one of a number we’re embarking on in Trafford as part of our commitment to provide more homes across the borough.

“Getting on the housing ladder is becoming an ever-greater challenge in the current climate but this development aims to make that dream achievable. Added to that, by incorporating energy efficient heating and hot water solutions, these new homes will be more affordable to run while aligning with our corporate priority of addressing the climate crisis.”

Cllr Ged Cooney, GMCA portfolio lead for housing, said: “The GMCA’s Brownfield Housing Fund is playing an important role, unlocking brownfield land as we work with partners to deliver new housing across Greater Manchester. It’s great to see work begin on another development, one that will provide much-needed affordable, sustainable, and high-quality homes.”

Learn more about the project by searching application reference number 109833/FUL/22 at Trafford Council’s planning portal.