Plans for Trafford neighbourhood progress as second public consultation launches

  • Joint venture between FEC, Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has updated proposals for the redevelopment of Chester House following an initial consultation
  • Plans include a new linear public park, more than 700 cycle parking spaces and over 25,000 sq ft of commercial space in response to local residents’ feedback
  • Consultation marks the final opportunity for community input before a planning application is submitted this summer

Plans to transform the former Greater Manchester Police headquarters in Trafford into a new mixed-use neighbourhood featuring around 1,200 homes have moved forward, as developers launch a second round of public consultation.

A joint venture between FEC, Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has unveiled a refined masterplan for the redevelopment of Chester House, incorporating feedback from local residents and businesses gathered during the first consultation in November last year.

The refined proposals aim to reflect community priorities, including increased green space, reduced traffic and stronger support for independent businesses.

Located within Trafford’s Civic Quarter Area Action Plan, the plans include:
  • A diverse mix of approximately 1,200 new sustainable homes, with 25% designated as affordable housing
  • A hotel with up to 255 bedrooms to welcome visitors to Trafford
  • Around 25,000 sq ft of commercial space for cafés, bars and community services
  • More than 700 cycle parking spaces, including bike rental facilities
  • Extensive public realm improvements, including a new linear public park that will connect the wider community, opening the site up to the public for the first time in over 40 years
  • A largely car-free neighbourhood with around 100 parking spaces (including dedicated disabled parking bays), supported by an on-site car club, electric vehicle charging and secure cycle parking
  • Sustainable on-site generation of low-carbon heat to serve the development and the wider Civic Quarter

The proposals also retain and repurpose important heritage features on the site. Ellis Llwyd Jones Hall will be carefully restored and transformed into a leisure space, while historic gateposts from the former Henshaw’s School for the Blind will be preserved within the public realm.

Sustainability is a central feature of the plans. The development will house the Civic Quarter Heat Network energy centre – a low-carbon system designed to support Trafford’s climate ambitions. Green infrastructure including landscaped gardens, tree-lined streets and wildlife corridors will also be integrated throughout the neighbourhood.

In response to feedback around healthcare provision, the joint venture is also working with the NHS to understand current and future service needs. The masterplan includes flexible space that could accommodate facilities such as a GP surgery if required.

Demolition is expected to begin later this month as the project progresses towards a planning application submission to Trafford Council this summer.

The development is expected to create up to 500 construction jobs during the build phase and around 190 permanent roles once complete, with a Trafford-first approach prioritising local contractors, suppliers and workers. The site is well connected by public transport via Trafford Bar tram stop and nearby bus routes, providing direct access to Manchester city centre, Salford and Manchester Airport.

Ono Odudu, Project Director at FEC, said: 

“The response to phase one of the consultation was encouraging. From the new linear public park to the expanded commercial space and car-free approach, this is a development that’s been shaped by the community.

“We’re committed to this collaborative approach and look forward to learning how we can continue to make the neighbourhood work for the people of Trafford.”

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

“This is a fantastic scheme which supports Trafford Council’s priorities regarding the building of new and affordable homes on brownfield sites in the borough.

“We welcome these new houses and of course the fact that the scheme will create 500 jobs. I encourage as many residents as possible to have their say on the scheme ahead of the planning application being submitted.”

The final stage of consultation will run until 6th April 2026. To view the plans in more detail and have your say, you can:
  • Share your feedback in person at Trafford Town Hall on 23rd March from 2:00pm – 7:00pm.
  • Visit our website and complete the online feedback form: https://chesterhouseredevelopment.co.uk/
  • Email us with your comments, questions and/or feedback: ChesterHouseRedevelopment(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)havingyoursay.co.uk.
  • Call our community line: 0161 711 0293 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:30pm)
  • Write to us: FREEPOST SHAPE TOMORROW

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