Trafford Civic Quarter opens for consultation

More than 4,000 homes, 500,000 sq ft of employment space, reimagined White City Retail Park and a new neighbourhood on a former police HQ site are all proposed by the council in a 135-acre masterplan that has opened for feedback from the public.

Encompassing Trafford Town Hall and Old Trafford cricket ground, the Civic Quarter Area Action Plan was drawn up by architect Feilden Clegg Bradley, planner Avison Young and landscape architect Planit-IE.

Following a seven-week public consultation that runs until 5 March, the action plan will be submitted to the planning inspectorate for examination this summer before being formally adopted in spring 2022.

As well as the town hall and the cricket ground, the action plan zone incorporates several prominent sites including the former Kellogg’s office, now home to University Academy 92, White City Retail Park, and the former B&Q site on Great Stone Road, among others.  

The area action plan is split into five neighbourhoods:  

  • Central – Kellogg’s and British Gas offices, White City Retail Park, office and residential buildings along Talbot Road. Vision: “Completely re-imagine the Retail Park as a new neighbourhood which celebrates its incredible history, including opportunities for significant public green amenity focussed around a significant new public park where the Botanical Gardens stood”
  • Southern – cricket ground, Bruntwood’s Lancastrian House and vacant B&Q store. Vision: “Activate the Processional Route; Consolidate leisure offer around the Cricket Club; Remove barriers and fencing; Create a new public square facing the Town Hall; Enhance tree lined avenues and green amenities particularly to Talbot Road; Consolidate surface car parking into active uses; Define the southern edge of the Sunken Gardens.
  • Western – between Chester Road and Talbot Road, includes listed Town Hall. Vision: “Consolidate Chester Road whilst protecting communities to the south; enhance the setting of the Town Hall to Warwick Road and Talbot Road; refurbish ageing Stretford Leisure Centre facility and explore opportunity for new outdoor sports facilities”
  • Northern – former Greater Manchester Police divisional headquarters. Vision: “Gateway neighbourhood development opportunity; capitalise on the potential of the Trafford Bar tram stop and success of Exchange Quay opposite; opportunity for significant modern workplace development as part of a mixed-use and vibrant neighbourhood”
  • Eastern – Trafford Bar tram stop, Trafford Hall Hotel, Old Trafford Bowling Club, Seymour Grove shops. Vision: “Announce the gateway to Trafford Bar tram stop with considerate new development between heritage assets; define and expand the high street character at the Talbot Road and Seymour Grove junction; possible green route alongside tram line”
Kelloggs Old Trafford

The council and Bruntwood Works has consent to build 750 homes at the Kellogg’s site

In September, Trafford Council and developer Bruntwood Works secured consent to build 750 homes and 200,000 sq ft of offices in the Kellogg’s grounds and the council has also expressed its desire to acquire the B&Q site from Accrue Capital, which has failed to win planning consent for 333 apartments. 

Cllr James Wright, Trafford Council’s executive member for housing and regeneration, said: “We are totally committed to the regeneration of the Civic Quarter area and we want as many views as possible on this document.  

“This will enable the council to deliver massive change to this area and make it a superb destination to live, work and play. The development will be sustainable and diverse and will build on the area’s heritage and popularity.”

A mile along Chester Road, the council unveiled its long-awaited Stretford masterplan, developed in a joint venture with Bruntwood Works, earlier this week. 

The town centre vision includes proposals for 800 homes, revamping Stretford Mall, reinstating King Street high street and repurposing the Lacy Street car park into a mixed-use scheme. 

Your Comments

Read our comments policy

‘Greater Vision Required’ – that is a precis of what my response to the consultation exercise will be.

By UnaPlanner

That’s a lot.

Given the majority of the areas including are in need of redevelopment and regeneration, this is a pretty transformational project for the region.

By Anonymous

Lots of houses children no schools

By ART

I’m concerned about current Trafford Housing Trust residents, myself being one of them. All new appartments have been and are being built and none of them are ever affordable amd mainly not bought or rented by local hard working people. Also there is the worry that we will be forced out as who wants to buy a plush apartment next to a housing estate. THT are already tight with their budgets as it is.

By Jane Wakefield

It’s pure heaven…

By Mart Manc

Keep Old Trafford and Stretford classy please, it’s getting worse by the day – filthy flooded streets ,school parking problems never ending, beggers all over the place get a move on please

By Mrs vincent

Why has that area of houses near Duckworth’s Distillery never been earmarked as a proper residential area? It is rare to see decent biggish houses close to the city centre and I would have thought that they would be sought after now. It looks really neglected around there, yet five minutes away they are throwing up million pound flats.

By Elephant

Related Articles

Sign up to receive the Place Daily Briefing

Join more than 13,000 property professionals and receive your free daily round-up of built environment news direct to your inbox

Subscribe

Join more than 13,000 property professionals and sign up to receive your free daily round-up of built environment news direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you are agreeing to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

"*" indicates required fields

Your Job Field*
Other regional Publications - select below