Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority have named Far East Consortium (FEC) as the development partner for the former police headquarters site on Chester Road in Stretford. The site was formerly the HQ of Greater Manchester Police before the force moved to a purpose-built facility in Central Park, Newton Heath, in 2012.
The scheme forms part of Trafford Council’s Civic Quarter Area Action Plan for Stretford. The 35,700m2 site, which was formerly the HQ of Greater Manchester Police, will accommodate 700 new homes, 25% of which will qualify as affordable housing. The site also aims to provide a hotel, leisure uses, retail, offices and community facilities. FEC was chosen following a competitive procurement process which started last year.
Tom Pool, Investment Director at FEC, said: “Trafford’s Civic Quarter represents one of Greater Manchester’s most ambitious and high-profile regeneration programmes. We’re incredibly proud to be able to partner with Trafford Council and use our experience working in joint venture with local authorities to bring its vision to life. As a team of local specialists, it’s a privilege to now be delivering more than 15,000 new homes within Greater Manchester, and we look forward to working with the local community in Trafford as part of our commitment to long-term, strategic investment. We can’t wait to get started.”
Councillor Tom Ross, leader of Trafford Council, said: “There is a shortage of quality and affordable housing in Trafford and we are totally committed to tackling this huge issue. This scheme, if approved, will provide hundreds of much-needed homes for residents and make strides towards our carbon-neutral policies. The proposed development is part of our Civic Quarter masterplan which has given us a fantastic opportunity to develop local amenities, improve community use of the areas and build more housing.”
The JV partners hope to submit a planning application for the site in the autumn of 2024.
