Trafford Wharfside

Trafford Wharfside is the area bounded by the Manchester Ship Canal to the north and Manchester United Football Club to the south. The area is accessed off the main A56 arterial route and provides access to the wider Trafford Park.

At present, the area consists of lower grade employment uses and open land which reflects the emergence of industrial uses subsequent to the closure of the Docks. However, Trafford Wharfside has the significant benefits of being able to tie together the major initiatives in the area to add significant economic benefits to the wider city region.

The scheme will augment the sporting and cultural locations of Lancashire Cricket Club and Manchester United with the landmark buildings of The Lowry and the Imperial War Museum North. Additionally, the emergence of MediaCityUK as a significant economic driver for the City Region and beyond is a substantial strength of the area and provides a focus to an enlarged market within a rapidly changing market place. The development of Trafford Wharfside will allow the expansion of the commercial core of MediaCityUK in Trafford, a vision which Peel has held from the very inception of MediaCityUK. The construction of the new iconic footbridge as part of the Phase I Media City works will deliver high quality and legible pedestrian links to the heart of Media City. This bridge will deliver pedestrians directly to the Metrolink which is in the heart of the Piazza.

There are a number of major initiatives proposed as part of the repositioning of Trafford Wharfside.

Firstly to create an “island” within the former dock area. This will not only bring additional developable area but will enable the inclusion of a further vehicle linkage into the Quays, therefore significantly improving the accessibility within the area and making MediaCityUK area more accessible to nearby occupiers. This area will have unrivalled profile and location and will appeal to hotel, residential and commercial occupiers.
Secondly the Boulevard of Heroes – the Manchester equivalent of Wembley Way will be a significant public realm project allowing a physical and visual linkage from Lancashire Cricket Club to the Quays down Sir Matt Busby Way. This will tie together some of the strongest brands within the North West, which will allow the City Region to benefit from these on a national and international stage. The boulevard will be pedestrian dominated during match days and events but be flexible enough to allow vehicle traffic at other times.
Thirdly, a waterfront to rival that achieved in Salford Quays with significant buildings housing residential, hotel and commercial accommodation.
Finally a rationalised infrastructure to allow a more structured and appropriate access system to the area therefore allowing a properly masterplanned approach to the area forming quality development plots.

The Trafford Wharfside proposals can bring major new economic, cultural and tourism growth to the Region, building on the successes already achieved to date at Salford Quays / MediaCityUK.