Trafford Wharf shortlisted for UK Planning Award

Trafford Wharf shortlisted for UK Planning Award

Chapman Taylor is pleased to announce that Trafford Wharf, a major mixed-use development in Greater Manchester, has been shortlisted at the UK Planning Awards in the mixed-use category.

Trafford Wharf is conceived as a truly mixed-use, mixed-tenure development occupying a single urban block. The scheme comprises 382 Build to Rent homes across two waterside towers, supported by extensive internal and external resident amenity spaces. It also includes 2,310 sqm of academic teaching space for the University Campus of Football Business, positioned below 412 purpose-built student bedrooms.

These uses are unified by a network of high-quality public realm, private and semi-private courtyards, and rooftop gardens, creating a vibrant and integrated urban neighbourhood.

Now in their 13th year, the UK Planning Awards celebrate outstanding projects, plans, and people shaping the built environment, recognising those who are successfully navigating the complexities of the planning system to deliver meaningful, lasting impact.

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, 4 June 2026, at IET London: Savoy Place, offering an opportunity to celebrate excellence across the industry.

This shortlisting recognises the strength of the vision for Trafford Wharf, delivering a balanced, design-led scheme that supports community, education, and city growth in one of Greater Manchester’s most exciting regeneration areas.

Paul Butler Associates is acting as planning consultant for the scheme. The landscape architect is Reform.

Trafford Wharf redefines waterside living, fusing homes, education, and community

Michael Swiszczowski (BA(Hons), MArch, ADPPA, ARB, RIBA)

Group Board Director, UK

Michael joined Chapman Taylor in 2016 to build the practice’s expertise in the residential sector. Appointed to the Group Board in 2025, he continues to play a leading role in shaping and expanding the practice’s residential and hospitality portfolios across the UK.

He has designed and delivered a wide range of award-winning projects, with a particular focus on Build-to-Rent, student accommodation, hotels, serviced apartments, and modular construction.

Michael is a regular speaker at residential and property conferences where he articulates Chapman Taylor’s design approach and skill sets, offering thought leadership on future living trends and sector evolution. He also serves as a Commissioner on the Radix Big Tent Housing Commission, a cross-party think tank that advises the UK Government on housing policy and contributes practical, evidence-based recommendations to address systemic challenges in housing delivery.

He was nominated for a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Association for Rental Living (ARL) in recognition of his significant contributions to the Build-to-Rent sector. He also serves as a Special Design Advisor on the ARL Design Committee and is a RIBA-elected member of the Regional Council for RIBA North West.

Areas of expertise:

Residential / Build-to-Rent / Student Accommodation / Hotels

Alexander Esfahani (Bsc(Hons), MArch, PGDip ARB)

Associate Director / Head of Sustainability, UK

Alexander joined Chapman Taylor’s Manchester studio in 2016 as part of the Feasibility team, predominantly focusing on the Residential and Mixed-Use sectors.

He has experience working on a wide range of projects at all work stages, with recent projects including Manchester Goods Yard which was successfully handed over in 2021.

Alexander is passionate about creative design and has been instrumental in developing our sustainability strategy and a number of R&D initiatives. As the global head of Chapman Taylor’s Responsible Design Steering Group, he promotes and coordinates environmental principles and best practice within the company.

Areas of expertise:

Residential / Workplace / Responsible Design / Net Zero Carbon

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