Planning Submitted for Cole Waterhouse's Trafford Wharf Scheme, Designed by Chapman Taylor
Chapman Taylor is proud to announce the submission of a planning application by Cole Waterhouse for the transformation of the former Hilti HQ site, located off Trafford Wharf Road in Stretford. The submission follows a comprehensive public consultation programme, aiming to reimagine this key site with a vibrant mixed-use development.
Our vision for Trafford Wharf, focuses on revitalising this brownfield site by delivering a high-quality, mixed-use scheme. It includes 438 Build-to-Rent (BtR) apartments, with 20% designated as affordable homes for local Trafford residents, alongside 419 purpose-built student accommodation beds. The development will also feature a 24,057 sq ft new higher education facility offering teaching space, offices, various student amenities, and an on-site café.
Designed to create a lasting positive impact on the community, the scheme will encompass two striking residential towers, thoughtfully designed on-site amenities, extensive landscaped public areas, and flexible ground-level commercial space. The 2.2-acre site is situated within Trafford Council’s Wharfside regeneration zone, an area earmarked for significant transformation, including delivering up to 5,000 new homes and a new stadium for Manchester United.
The proposed development represents a substantial multi-million-pound investment in the local economy. It is expected to generate over 1,300 jobs during the construction phase and create nearly 300 permanent roles once operational. Additionally, the scheme is set to contribute over £1.6 million in s106 planning contributions and has a GDV of approx. £200m.
Simon Gallanders, Managing Director of Cole Waterhouse Residential, commented: “This game-changing project would help to transform this well-known brownfield site into a thriving new community. It would deliver hundreds of new homes, helping to address the acute need for more affordable properties in Trafford.
“In addition, there has been significant growth in Manchester’s student population in recent years, with estimates of a shortfall of up to 4,000 student beds. Trafford Wharf is well-located, with highly sustainable transport links to the education campuses in Salford and Manchester. It is the perfect location to provide top-of-the-range student accommodation to help meet that need, and we believe our plans will make a significant contribution to the continued regeneration of the wider area.”
Director Michael Swiszczowski commented, "We are thrilled to support the transformation of this landmark site at Trafford Wharf, delivering a vibrant, mixed-use community that prioritises high-quality design and meaningful connections with the local area. Our vision is to create a place where residents, students, and the wider community can thrive, providing much-needed homes, state-of-the-art student accommodation, and dynamic public spaces. This development is not only an investment in the future of Trafford but also a testament to the power of design in shaping sustainable urban environments."
Cole Waterhouse acquired the site from Hilti in April 2024 as part of a conditional purchase agreement. The planning application is a joint submission with Hilti, which, if successful, will see Hilti conclude its involvement in the project.
Paul Butler Associates is acting as planning consultant for the scheme Project Manager (TSA Riley), Concept design (Chapman Taylor), Quantity Surveyors/Cost Consultant (Russell Bolton Consulting), Structural Engineers (XO Square), M&E Engineers (Watt WECE) and Proximity delivered daylight/sunlight consultancy.