The masterplan to change the area around Old Trafford ‘beyond recognition’

It looks like another area of Greater Manchester could be about to change forever, redevelopment of Trafford Wharfside the next scheduled.

Ambitious plans to regenerate an area neighbouring MediaCity and surrounding Manchester United’s Old Trafford football stadium are going out for public consultation.

Trafford council’s draft masterplan offers a vision for the Trafford Wharfside area as a key emerging neighbourhood over the next 15 years.

Redeveloping Trafford

The Trafford Wharfside Development Framework has been prepared by the council in discussion with major landowning partners including Peel, Manchester United and Salford city council.

Town hall bosses say the public will be given the opportunity to air their views on the strategy in a consultation due to be launched in the near future.

They say the plan has identified a number of potential development sites and will be used to set an overall strategy to guide future, well-designed development in the area.

The masterplan places nature and landscape at the heart of its vision, celebrates the Manchester Ship Canal waterfront and the Imperial War Museum, creates opportunities for up to 5,000 high-quality new homes, connects Trafford Wharfside to the city centre and develops a high-quality setting for Manchester United as they develop their plans for a world-class football stadium.

The report on the draft Trafford Wharfside masterplan will be discussed by Trafford councillors at its executive meeting on February 21.

A vision for Trafford Wharfside

The vision for Trafford Wharfside is for an area of well-connected communities where all amenities, landmarks and public spaces are easily accessed.

Leaders say it supports the council’s priorities to reduce health inequalities, supporting people out of poverty and addressing our climate crisis and will create a greener, more natural place in which to live and visit.

It will be split into distinct areas: Trafford Wharf – north area of Wharfside bordering the Manchester Ship Canal; Heritage Quarter – adjacent to Trafford Wharf; Stadium District – Manchester United area; Innovation Quarter – western area of Wharfside; Wharfside Heart – connecting the four other character areas together

Councillor Liz Patel

Coun Liz Patel, Trafford council’s executive member for economy and regeneration, said: “The Trafford Wharfside masterplan offers a regeneration vision for a hugely important area within Trafford.

“This area takes in the world-famous sporting institution that is Manchester United as well as other major sites including the Imperial War Museum and the Manchester Ship Canal.

“Across the water we can see the transformation of MediaCity and we know this area will too see great change over future years. We want to help shape that new development positively through the Trafford Wharfside Development Framework and Masterplan.

“Working with our partners and private developers, we will be looking to create new homes, new neighbourhoods and help create a world-class setting for the Manchester United stadium.

“This is an exciting time for Trafford – with many major building schemes up and running. I am delighted that the Trafford Wharfside area is the focus of this important future planning.”

How it will effect Manchester United

Collette Roche, chief operating officer at Manchester United, added: “This vision for Trafford Wharfside is tremendously exciting and we are proud to be supporting Trafford Council with their ambitious plans for an area with such huge potential.

“We will continue to work closely with the Council, and other local stakeholders, on how any future development work at Old Trafford can complement their vision and, most importantly, benefit the local community.”

Anna Bensky, associate director for Peel, added: “Through working with Trafford council and our other partners we can help deliver a vibrant new neighbourhood which boasts world-class cultural and sporting attractions on its doorstep as well as MediaCity which will be doubling in size over the next decade – bringing even more opportunity to the local community.”

Continued investment in the redevelopment of Trafford Wharfside

Coun Mike McCusker, Salford council’s lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development, said: “We’re proud to be working with our colleagues in Trafford to support continued growth and investment in the area.

“The plans for Trafford Wharfside go hand in hand with developments being realised in Salford at MediaCity through our Strategic Regeneration Framework and Salford Quays vision 2030.

“Once combined, developments on both sides of the water will provide, much needed homes, develop an exciting and highly desirable neighbourhood as well as further cementing the area’s reputation as an extremely special place to live and work.

“This is a really positive step and I know all the partners involved are really excited to see this vision come to life and keen to see what the future holds for this area of the region.”

You can find out more about the redevelopment of Trafford Wharfside by clicking here