Manchester Gardens plans approved for 286 new homes in Trafford

The proposals will replace a disused petrol station and multi-storey car park on Chester Road in Trafford, Greater Manchester with a mix of apartments and townhouses, landscaped courtyards and roof gardens. Our design integrates within the wider conservation area, provides urban green spaces, a new public pedestrian link and low-energy homes for the community.

Prepared by AHR, with landscape design by Exterior Architecture and planning advice from Paul Butler Associates, the proposals were developed in liaison with Paragon Property. The project is a positive step towards providing high-quality residences in Stretford and supporting the wider regeneration of the area with sustainable, accessible homes.

A new neighbourhood shaped by its surroundings

The site sits beside a conservation area, and the design responds to the character of the local streets. Red brick facades and considered material choices draw on the area’s traditional buildings, while an expressed corbel line on the townhouses references nearby period terraces.

Building heights step down towards the conservation area, helping the new development sit comfortably alongside its historic surroundings. The result is a contemporary neighbourhood with a clear connection to its setting.

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Homes and spaces for everyday life

The design includes one and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom townhouses, designed to be comfortable and accessible. Residents will also benefit from a range of shared amenities, including a gym, residents’ lounge and concierge facilities.

Landscaped courtyards and roof gardens provide green, sociable spaces to sit, meet, relax and spend time outdoors. Planting, feature trees, raised brick planters and a mix of lawn and paved areas will help create welcoming shared spaces. Pocket parks and courtyard spaces combine lawns with hard landscaping for recreation, helping to foster a sense of community. A resilient planting scheme using drought-tolerant and perennial species will help support biodiversity across the site.

Designed to use less energy

Sustainability was considered from the outset. The buildings are designed with a highly insulated fabric and efficient ventilation with heat recovery, helping to reduce energy demand. Electric heating and hot water, supported by solar panels across the available roof space, will support the transition to a lower carbon energy supply. Together, these measures support Greater Manchester’s ambition to become a carbon neutral city region by 2038.

The proposals also encourage more sustainable travel, with cycle parking provided on-site and nearby access to bus services and Trafford Bar Metrolink stop. A new public pedestrian route running north to south through the site will improve connectivity, making it easier for people to reach nearby streets and public transport.

A new chapter for the site

The planning approval marks an important step in bringing a long vacant site into use. The proposals will create new homes and shared spaces in Stretford, while improving connections through the site and responding to the character of the surrounding area.

See more examples of the positive impact our residential work has on communities