Putting the new into Old Trafford

As the site of two of the UK’s top sports venues, Old Trafford is synonymous with major events and big name stars that have inspired generations.

Beyond the stadium gates, there has been a continued effort to invest and regenerate the wider area over the past five years and this is set to continue.

The recent announcement on the planned regeneration of the former Kellogg’s site in Old Trafford is welcome news that looks set to put the area firmly on the map within the city region for much more than just sport.

Trafford Council’s proposed masterplan that is currently under public consultation includes a new university campus, a hotel and apartments.

University Academy 92 (UA92) is an initiative led by Gary Neville and The Class of 92’. Set to open in 2019, the higher education institution will offer degrees in media, business and sport. It has the backing of Lancaster University, Microsoft, Trafford Council, Trafford College and Bruntwood.

As part of the plans, a new leisure centre will be built at the site, replacing the existing Stretford Leisure Centre. Sports pitches will be built at Turn Moss between Stretford Grammar and the Mersey.

The plans will no doubt have a transformative effect on the area and we’re proud to be involved in a project that will benefit the local economy with greater employment opportunities, improved facilities and more businesses moving in.

It comes off the back of other significant investments in recent years. In 2012, the Council embarked on a ten year masterplan for new housing in Old Trafford and a new Tesco superstore opened creating 500 jobs which brought with it improved pedestrian links and landscaping between the Town Hall and Chester Road.

More recently, there have been major new hotel openings with Hotel Football in 2015 and Lancashire Country Cricket Club’s 4* Hilton Garden Inn that opened this summer.

As an up and coming area with huge potential, Old Trafford is an ideal place for companies in the region considering a move. The Trafford borough sees an average of 1,500 start-ups each year. It is the most entrepreneurial borough in Greater Manchester outside of Manchester city centre.

Around 90 per cent of these are micro businesses with up to nine people, many of which look for flexible spaces to grow and develop. With this in mind, Bruntwood is bringing new offerings to the area for this market with coworking, serviced and managed offices.

Our Trafford House building on Chester Road, not far from the UA92 site, is currently undergoing a £1m investment programme.

It now offers a new range of amenities designed to improve the customer experience including a lounge, outdoor terrace, fitness and events space, bike racks, showers and changing facilities.

Bruntwood has also invested in a unique partnership with Les Mills to offer virtual fitness classes throughout the day and Altius Healthcare to deliver classes that promote employee wellbeing among its customers.

Ideally located on one of the main bus routes into the city and just a few minutes’ walk from the Old Trafford Metrolink stop, Trafford House is perfect for employees looking to leave their car at home and avoid the traffic.

The future looks bright for the area that is home to the Theatre of Dreams and it’s clear that it will become a site for much more than just sporting successes.