FEC ramps up density in Old Trafford as timeline, housing mix firmed up
The redevelopment of the former Greater Manchester Police headquarters off Chester Road has been beefed up with an additional 200 homes and could be on site this time next year.
A report to Trafford Council’s executive states that completion of the 1,400-home scheme is expected before the end of 2034. Before that, a great deal has to happen.
Firstly, a planning application for the project, which FEC was instructed to lead back in 2021, is expected this month. It will feature some 200 more homes than outlined during the last round of consultation, when the plan was for 1,200.
FEC is also committed to delivering 25% affordable homes on site despite constrained viability.
The Trafford report states that a viability appraisal for the scheme is showing a 5% developer’s profit against an expectation of 15%. As a result, public sector funding support is likely to be required to deliver the project.
The affordable homes are to be brought forward using Homes England grant funding secured by a registered provider.
The housing mix is expected to be 1,058 homes available on the open market, 154 for shared ownership, and 198 for social rent.
As well as homes, FEC’s vision for the site includes a linear park, 250-bed hotel, 700 cycle spaces, and 25,000 sq ft of commercial space are also proposed. While the vacant police HQ was knocked down, the Ellis Llwyd Jones Hall has been retained for future community use.
Subject to planning approval, remediation work could begin in Q3 2027, according to Trafford’s report.
FEC was contacted for comment.
3DReid, Re-form, and Asteer are advising on design, landscape, and planning respectively. PP O’Connor cleared the site.
