Construction starts on major regeneration project in Trafford

Construction has started on 147 new homes in Old Trafford, half of which will be affordable housing.

Partners gathered on Thursday (February 19) to celebrate the start of works of the new development.

They were joined by Paul Dennett, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Leader of Trafford Council, Councillor Tom Ross to officially mark the occasion.

The new neighbourhood is being delivered in partnership with L&Q Lovell Trafford LLP (a joint venture between L&Q and Lovell) and Trafford Council, supported by funding from Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Homes England. It will include green spaces and play areas for children.

The scheme will include one, two, three, and four-bedroom houses. Half of those homes will be for sale, while the other half are planned as a mix of social rent and shared ownership.

The site, which is part of the former Tamworth Estate, was previously home to three high-rise tower blocks and the Seahawk Pub, which was demolished in 2013 - 2015.

The project has received Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) brownfield grant as well as Homes England funding for the delivery of the affordable homes. L&Q Lovell Trafford LLP are contributing nearly £1m towards secondary education as part of a Section 106 agreement and £15,000 towards improving open spaces in the local area.

Publicly accessible walking and cycle paths will run through the site, creating landscaped car-free routes between Merlin's Park and Bold Street Sports Ground. 

Low carbon and sustainability measures are key to the project, with all properties being built to the Future Homes standard. In addition, the social rented homes will be brought up to The Truly Affordable Net Zero standard and are supported by Homes England funding. 

The development will also provide local employment and training opportunities for the duration of the construction works.

Ben Townsend, New Business Director at L&Q, said:

"A safe, decent and affordable home is the foundation for a better life. We're proud to be delivering 147 new homes in Old Trafford as part of our mission to provide housing for local families. 

"Through our partnership with Lovell and Trafford Council, this project will create a vibrant new neighbourhood, with green spaces, play areas and strong connections to the wider city.

Today marks an exciting new chapter for Tamworth, and it's just the beginning." 

Martyn Hopkins, Development director at Lovell, said: 

“This exciting joint venture between Lovell Partnerships and L&Q will support the delivery of a mixture of high-quality new homes in an evolving area of Greater Manchester. 

“Having worked across this region and within Manchester for decades, Lovell has a deep understanding of the community needs as well as the challenges that come with complex regeneration sites and we look forward to delivering this project alongside L&Q and providing real lasting benefits to new and existing residents.”

Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said:

“Families across Trafford, like those all over the UK, are finding it harder and harder to get onto the housing ladder.

So I am delighted that this scheme will help to address this issue in Old Trafford by providing homes for 147 families – half of which are affordable.

“The Council is committed to helping provide a thriving economy and homes for all. Thank you to all our partners for their hard work in making this fabulous neighbourhood scheme a reality.”