Trafford council launches search for 120,000 sq ft HQ

Trafford council has officially started its search for a new headquarters of between 80,000 sq ft and 120,000 sq ft.

A tender brief published today said: "Trafford MBC is looking at the options to meet its long term accommodation needs, in respect of its main administrative centre at Trafford Town Hall, through a major capital development project. These options may include, but are not limited to, the redevelopment of the current site or the development of a new facility on a new site elsewhere within the borough."

The council is currently based in several buildings in the borough including the Town Hall on Talbot Road in Stretford and Waterside House in Sale.

The council said: "A significant number of properties within the Trafford Council portfolio are historic, traditional, and considered ill-suited for the flexible, adaptable and sustainable working practices required by the council in order to deliver public services in the 21st Century. In addition to which the current Town Hall is a mix of a 1930s, Grade II listed, building and a 1980s annex. The Council is therefore willing to consider options that include, but are not limited to, the redevelopment of the current site or the development of a new facility on a new site elsewhere within the borough."

The council aims to complete the new building by April 2011. The council has in the past been linked with a move to Peel's office scheme alongside the Trafford Centre.