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Warehouse plans are unveiled

Bethan Dorsett
8/ 5/2008

A MASTERPLAN for the 'gateway' to Trafford is about to receive its first public airing.

Designs of what the site, currently occupied by the derelict Victoria warehouses, will look like after its makeover were unveiled this week.

Developer Howard Holdings says it wants to turn the Trafford Park Road site into a "visual and architectural"  landmark at the gateway to the borough.

The development, to be called Stratum, will comprise six buildings of varying heights, including two towers fronting the Bridgewater Canal.

Ranging from five to 37 storeys, they will house a mixture of office accommodation, flats and a 190-bed hotel, plus leisure facilities and shops.

It is hoped the plans will enhance  security and the environment by the waterfront and include a public square with views of the canal and Old Trafford.

Visitors to the exhibition, at the Imperial War Museum in Trafford Park, will be able to view drawings, plans and a scale model of the site and discuss these with the developers and other members of the project team. Landowner Primeweald Ltd and developer Howard Holdings will be seeking outline planning permission for the development.

Will Banks, development surveyor of Howard Holdings, said: "By transforming a once semi-derelict industrial area into a thriving and highly sought-after residential and business address, this scheme continues the tradition for transformation and renewal that has defined Trafford and Salford Quays in recent years.

"Stratum will create a new landmark with a recognisable sense of place which will help to generate an exciting new community.

"We are very keen to hear what local people think about our plans. This exhibition will give interested parties the chance to see for themselves exactly what we are proposing and to provide us with their direct feedback."

The exhibition can be viewed at the Imperial War Museum today from 10am to 6pm and tomorrow from 10am to 1pm.