The mixed-use development is situated within Trafford Council’s Wharfside regeneration zone. Credit: Paula kc/Shutterstock.

Cole Waterhouse has submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of the former Hilti headquarters site in Stretford, UK.

The proposed mixed-use project, designed by Chapman Taylor, seeks to revitalise the 2.2-acre brownfield site with a scheme that includes 438 build-to-rent apartments, 20% of which will be designated as affordable homes for Trafford residents.

The development represents a substantial investment in the local economy, with an estimated gross development value of £200m ($259.6m).

The plan also includes a purpose-built student accommodation hall with 419 rooms and a new 24,057ft² higher education facility with teaching space, offices, student amenities and an on-site café.

The scheme will have a lasting positive impact on the community, with two residential towers, on-site amenities, landscaped public areas and flexible commercial space at ground level.

Situated within Trafford Council’s Wharfside regeneration zone, the site is part of an area earmarked for significant transformation, including the delivery of five thousand new homes and a new stadium for Manchester United.

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Its construction phase will generate 1,300 jobs and create 300 permanent roles once operational. The scheme will also contribute more than £1.6m in planning contributions.

Cole Waterhouse acquired the site from Hilti in April 2024 under a conditional purchase agreement. The planning application is a joint submission with Hilti, which will conclude its involvement in the project if the application is successful.

Cole Waterhouse Residential managing director Simon Gallanders stated: “This game-changing project would help to transform this well-known brownfield site into a thriving new community. It would deliver hundreds of new homes, helping to address the acute need for more affordable properties in Trafford.

“In addition, there has been significant growth in Manchester’s student population in recent years, with estimates of a shortfall of up to 4,000 student beds. Trafford Wharf is well-located, with highly sustainable transport links to the education campuses in Salford and Manchester. It is the perfect location to provide top-of-the-range student accommodation to help meet that need, and we believe our plans will make a significant contribution to the continued regeneration of the wider area.”