Hilti agrees long-awaited sale of former Trafford HQ

Developer Cole Waterhouse has exchanged contracts on the site almost three-and-a-half years after it first went up for sale.

Cole Waterhouse is now drawing up plans for the former Hilti head office, a key site within the 5,000-home, 215-acre Trafford Wharfside masterplan.

The developer plans to bring forward a mixed-use, residential-led development on the site, located close to Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, itself earmarked for a significant overhaul.

“The Trafford Wharfside masterplan, which is ambitious in its scale and vision, will transform the area,” said Simon Gallanders, managing director at Cole Waterhouse.

“Our strategic acquisition of the former Hilti headquarters will play a key part in the council’s long-term masterplan.

“Our delivery of No. 1 Old Trafford and nearby Eda showcases our proven experience in bringing to life exceptional residential developments, with highly sought-after amenities, and most importantly where people want to call home.”

Cole Waterhouse is aiming to submit a planning application for the Hilti redevelopment this autumn. Chapman Taylor is the architect and Paul Butler Associates is advising on planning.

Colliers advised Hilti on the sale. Pitalia Real Estate and CTP had previously been under offer on the 2.23-acre Trafford Wharf Road plot, but the sale fell through.

The acquisition builds on Cole Waterhouse’s growing portfolio in Trafford and Salford. In 2021, the developer completed the £73m No1 Old Trafford, located adjacent to the Wharfside Metrolink stop.

More recently, the developer’s joint venture with Taurus Investment Holdings opened the doors to Eda, a 290-home build-to-rent development at Salford Quays.