New Life for Old Trafford: 1200 Homes & Park

0:00On April 1st, demolition crews are gearing up to tear down the old greater Manchester police headquarters in Old Trafford, paving the way for a massive regeneration project. The site of Taver Road will soon host up to 1,200 new homes, a 255 bed hotel, shops, a cafe, and a public park. Right in the center, the Chester House building has set empty since police moved to Newton Heath back in 2012. Trafford Council calls this the major milestone they've waited over a decade for, with final planning details coming this summer, and a public. Consultation wrapping up on April 6th. Locals made their voices heard loud and clear during earlier feedback sessions, pushing hard for more green spaces, which led straight to that new park. They also flag traffic headaches, especially on matchdays, so the plans lean heavily car-free with 700 bike spots, a rental hub, and safe walking paths. On top of that, residents want better health access, so developers are teaming up with the NHS for flexible spaces that could house a GP surgery, or community spots, plus about 25,000 square feet for businesses.

1:12Around 25% of the homes will be affordable, mixing one, two, and three-bedroom units. Two historic gyms on site, the Ellis-Lewis Jones Hall and Old Gay Posts, get protected, with the hall-eye for leisure use, and the whole bill should. Spark about 500 construction jobs. Council leaders are buzzing about turning this brownfield spot into vital housing that fits the borrows needs.