Demolition has begun on the former Greater Manchester Police headquarters site in Trafford, marking a major milestone in plans to transform the brownfield site into a new 1,200-home neighbourhood.
Works started recently at the Chester House site located off Boyer Street and White City Way, kickstarting a flagship regeneration project being delivered by joint venture partners Far East Consortium (FEC), Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).
The proposed scheme will deliver around 1,200 homes, including 25 per cent affordable housing, alongside a new hotel and a mix of commercial and community spaces.
Shaped by feedback from local residents and businesses, the latest masterplan sets out a vision for a sustainable, people-first neighbourhood, with extensive public realm improvements including a new linear park connecting the wider community.
Designed to support low-carbon living, the development will recognise the heritage features and history of the site, and will feature a cycle hire hub and a car club. Flexible community space will also be delivered, with capacity to accommodate services such as a GP surgery as local needs evolve.
The development, which is expected to create around 500 construction jobs, will house the Civic Quarter Heat Network energy centre, a low-carbon system supporting Trafford’s climate ambitions while serving both the development and the surrounding area.
Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said:
“I am delighted that demolition work has started on this important site. This scheme, if awarded planning permission, will result in 1,200 homes including affordable on a brownfield site. It supports Trafford Council’s priorities regarding new and affordable housing for the borough. The public realm, commercial space and the heat network aspects of the scheme are also great news as well as the 500 new jobs."
A planning application is due to be submitted to Trafford Council this summer, with a second round of public consultation under way until Easter Monday, April 6. Participants can: