Hilti assessing options for former Trafford HQ

Pitalia Real Estate and CTP had been under offer on the 2.23-acre Trafford Wharf Road plot, but the sale is no longer going ahead. 

Operations at Pitalia are being wound down after the departure of chief executive David Lathwood and director Greg Ball, so the deal is off and Hilti must look for an alternative exit route. 

CTP and Pitalia had been working with architect Hodder+Partners on plans to redevelop the site into around 500 homes. 

A spokesperson for Hilti said: “We are reviewing various market approaches for this valuable site and are continuing to work with interested parties to facilitate an outcome that derives the best values for Hilti and the surrounding Trafford borough community.” 

Construction products manufacturer Hilti instructed Colliers International to sell its headquarters in November 2020 after the firm signed to relocate to 42,000 sq ft at Bruntwood’s Circle Square on Oxford Road in Manchester. 

Since then, Trafford Council has sought to flesh out its vision for the area surrounding the site.

The plot, which includes a 31,000 sq ft office building previously used by Hilti, is located within the Wharfside regeneration area. 

Earlier this year, architect Hawkins\Brown and consultancy Capita Property and Infrastructure were appointed to draw up a development framework for the 215-acre Wharfside zone. 

The zone stretches east to west from Trafford Road to the Imperial War Museum, and north to south from the ship canal to the railway line, incorporating Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium.