FEC kicks off second round of Chester House consultation
Working with Trafford Council and GMCA, the developer is plotting a 1,200-home neighbourhood at the former police headquarters in Old Trafford.
Plans updated following round one feedback include a linear public park, more than 700 cycle parking spaces and 25,000 sq ft of commercial space.
The round one proposal, started in November last year, centred on the 1,200 homes – itself an upgrade from an initial 750 – and a 250-bed hotel. That plan has been fleshed out by a professional team featuring architect 3DReid, planner Asteer and landscape architect Re-form.
A planning application is expected this summer for the site, vacant since Greater Manchester Police left for a new headquarters in Newton Heath in 2012.
The JV partners said that the refined proposals aim to reflect community priorities, including increased green space, reduced traffic and stronger support for independent businesses.
Located within Trafford’s Civic Quarter Area Action Plan, the plans include:
- A diverse mix of around 1,200 homes, with 25% designated as affordable housing
- A hotel with up to 255 bedrooms to welcome visitors to Trafford
- Around 25,000 sq ft of commercial space for cafés, bars and community services
- More than 700 cycle parking spaces, including bike rental facilities
- Extensive public realm improvements, including a new linear public park that will connect the wider community, opening the site up to the public for the first time in over 40 years
- A largely car-free neighbourhood with around 100 parking spaces (including dedicated disabled parking bays), supported by an on-site car club, electric vehicle charging and secure cycle parking
- Sustainable on-site generation of low-carbon heat to serve the development and the wider Civic Quarter.
The proposals also retain and repurpose heritage assets: Ellis Llwyd Jones Hall will be restored and transformed into a leisure space, while historic gateposts from the former Henshaw’s School for the Blind will be preserved within the public realm.
In response to feedback around healthcare provision, the joint venture is also working with the NHS to understand current and future service needs. The masterplan includes flexible space that could accommodate facilities such as a GP surgery if required.
Demolition is expected to begin later this month as the project progresses towards planning.
Ono Odudu, project director at FEC, said: “The response to phase one of the consultation was encouraging. From the new linear public park to the expanded commercial space and car-free approach, this is a development that’s been shaped by the community.
“We’re committed to this collaborative approach and look forward to learning how we can continue to make the neighbourhood work for the people of Trafford.”
FEC – Far East Consortium – is also Manchester City Council’s partner on the 390-acre residential masterplan Victoria North.
Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s executive member for economy and regeneration, said: “This is a fantastic scheme which supports Trafford Council’s priorities regarding the building of new and affordable homes on brownfield sites in the borough.
“We welcome these new houses and of course the fact that the scheme will create 500 jobs. I encourage as many residents as possible to have their say on the scheme ahead of the planning application being submitted.”
The final stage of consultation will run until 6 April 2026.
A prime site – nice to see the greenery as the site today is a derelict mess
By Looks good
Support the proposals but the consultation is lacking. No info on land uses including ground floor uses, building heights, visuals. One layout plan with no real understanding of what’s changed since the last application. The boards should be improved.
By Lackofinfo
The landscape proposals on this look amazing. I hope they don’t dilute it
By Anon