Planning approval secured for Cole Waterhouse's Trafford Wharf Scheme

Chapman Taylor is proud to announce that planning permission has now been secured by Cole Waterhouse for the transformation of the former Hilti HQ site, located off Trafford Wharf Road in Stretford. Approval 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.

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 was the 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.

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.

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 was the 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.