Supporting the regeneration of Trafford Wharfside around Old Trafford

The Trafford Wharfside Strategic Masterplan will provide the framework for the long-term regeneration of one of the country's highest-profile development areas: the wider district surrounding Manchester United Football Club and Old Trafford. Bringing together new homes, employment, leisure, transport and public spaces into a single vision, the masterplan will help shape the future of an area that attracts millions of supporters and visitors each year.

Located between Trafford Park, Salford Quays and Old Trafford, Trafford Wharfside has the potential to become a vibrant new neighbourhood, creating better connections across the city while supporting future growth for residents, visitors and businesses alike.

Civic is part of the design team appointed by Trafford Council to develop the Trafford Wharfside Strategic Masterplan. Led by Allies and Morrison, alongside JLL and SLA, the team is creating a long-term vision that will guide future investment and help ensure growth is supported by the infrastructure needed to create a successful place.

Our transport & movement and building services engineering teams have focused on helping shape how Trafford Wharfside will function for people, both residents and visitors. Working across transport, civil engineering, utilities and sustainability, we've developed strategies that support a connected, resilient and future-proof neighbourhood.

A key part of our work has been developing movement principles and street design guidance that prioritise active travel while recognising the area's unique demands. With a major stadium at its heart, Trafford Wharfside needs to work just as well on match days as it does every other day of the year, balancing the needs of residents, visitors and businesses while strengthening connections with surrounding communities.

Alongside this, we've developed infrastructure strategies that will serve the needs of generations to come. Our team has explored opportunities for a district heat network to support future energy demand, while also shaping approaches to utilities and surface water management that will help the area adapt to future growth and a changing climate.

Leah Stuart, director of our Leeds studio, comments:

"Places like Trafford Wharfside matter because they already mean something to millions of people, from local communities to football supporters around the world. The challenge is making sure the next chapter builds on that, creating somewhere that works just as well for the people who live there as it does for the people who visit. Projects like this don't come around often - it's a privilege to help shape the future of such an important part of Greater Manchester."