Trafford is a borough of contrasts: urban and rural, historic and modern, cultural and industrial. It is home to more than 235,000 people, with strong communities, good transport links and a rich history.
History
Trafford was created as a metropolitan district in 1974 and received a Royal Borough Charter.
The area has a long industrial heritage. Trafford Park, created in the late 19th century, became the world’s first industrial estate. By the 1940s it employed around 75,000 people, producing everything from consumer goods to Rolls-Royce engines for Spitfire and Lancaster aircraft.
Today Trafford Park remains one of the largest industrial estates in Europe, employing around 35,000 people and hosting major companies such as Amazon, PG Tips and Adidas. Work is now under way to make it a leader in low-carbon industry.
Communities
Trafford has five main urban areas: Altrincham, Partington, Sale, Stretford and Urmston. Each has its own identity.
Altrincham has been transformed into an award-winning high street. Plans are in place to regenerate the other town centres, building on their local strengths.
Trafford is becoming more diverse, with most residents reporting good health. There are also inequalities in health and poverty across the borough. The council and its partners are working to give every child the best start in life and to support an ageing population to live independently.
Connectivity
The River Mersey, Bridgewater Canal and Manchester Ship Canal have shaped Trafford’s growth.
Today the borough is well connected by:
- rail services from Altrincham and Urmston
- Metrolink tram lines across the borough
- the M60, M56 and M6 motorways
- walking and cycling routes linking towns with the countryside and Manchester city centre
- Manchester Airport, within easy reach by road, rail and tram
These connections make Trafford attractive to both residents and businesses.
Education and leisure
Trafford has a national reputation for education, with many outstanding schools and strong further and higher education.
The borough also has a wide range of leisure and cultural assets, including:
- Old Trafford football stadium and Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground
- Dunham Massey Hall and its historic estate
- 11 Green Flag parks
- Imperial War Museum North
- Waterside Arts in Sale, home to theatre and creative industries
- The Trafford Centre, one of the UK’s largest shopping and leisure destinations
Ambition
Trafford is proud of its history and communities but is focused on the future.
The council aims to:
- be efficient and responsive to residents’ needs
- reduce inequalities across the borough
- support healthy, independent lives for older residents
- raise living standards and life expectancy
- create opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth