Draft Trafford Wharfside Strategic Masterplan

Overview

The Wharfside Strategic Masterplan (WSM) outlines a long-term and high-level vision for the future physical, social and economic regeneration of the Wharfside area.  It will be used by both the public and private sectors to help guide investment decisions and future developments over the next 15 years and beyond.  It will be a key component of the planning policy framework for the Trafford Wharfside area and will be taken into account by the Council when it makes decisions on planning applications. 

The Masterplan has been produced in response to the long-standing ambition by the Council for the regeneration of the Trafford Wharfside area, transformed by the announcement by Manchester United Football Club that they intended to construct a new 100,000-seater stadium in the area together with the establishment of the Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation.

The masterplan is not just about a new stadium for Manchester United.  It is about the future of the whole of the Wharfside area and its vision is to create a thriving new neighbourhood and community.  It is important that existing communities nearby benefit too, and community facilities and parks are at the heart of the vision.  New housing, new jobs and new open space will create a vibrant new place with the improved transport infrastructure and community facilities needed to support the stadium and the rest of the new development.

Policy Context and Framework

Why your views matter

This is your opportunity to let us know what you think of the draft Trafford Wharfside Strategic Masterplan.  Your views and input are important to ensure the masterplan reflects the needs and aspirations of local residents, landowners, local businesses and potential new residential communities.

Please note that because of the volume of replies we expect to receive in response to this questionnaire, the Council will not be able to respond on an individual basis.   However, all representations will be carefully considered and responded to in a forthcoming Consultation Statement.  This will be published alongside the final masterplan when it is presented to Trafford’s Executive for adoption in the autumn.

Due to the need to publish responses, please do not include any personal or identifying information in free text boxes in the questionnaire. You can opt out of publication of your name and address details before completing the questionnaire.

Comments on plans for the Stadium District and the wider masterplan are welcomed. However, comments on the detailed design, appearance and facilities of a new stadium for Manchester United should be directed to the club itself, when Manchester United carries out its own, separate detailed consultation on the stadium proposals.

Any comments on the detailed design and operation of the stadium, which are outside the scope of the masterplan, will be passed on to Manchester United.

Consultation events

You can also attend one of our drop-in consultation events.  These events are open to anyone who would like to find out more about the draft Masterplan and share their views. You can attend at any time during the hours advertised and stay for as much or as little time as you like. There will not be a formal presentation but there will be exhibition boards and representatives of Trafford Council, the Old Trafford Mayoral Development Corporation and Transport for Greater Manchester available to explain the plans and answer your questions.

No booking is required.

Wednesday 29 July 2026, 4pm to 7pm

Trafford Town Hall, Talbot Road, Stretford M32 0TH

Wednesday 9 September 2026, 4pm to 7pm

Gorse Hill Studios, Cavendish Road, Stretford, Manchester M32 0PS

Thursday 10 September 2026, 11am to 2pm

The Studios at Media City, Media City, Salford, Manchester, M50 2HQ

Tuesday 15 September 2026, 4pm to 7pm

Stretford Metros Sports and Social Club, Moss Road, Stretford M32 0AH

What happens next

All feedback from this questionnaire, consultation events and any other sources will be collated, analysed and used to inform review and revision of the Wharfside Strategic Masterplan. A final version of the masterplan will be presented to Trafford Council’s Executive for adoption in autumn 2026.

Manchester United will provide an update on how fans and the wider community can engage with the club on stadium specifics soon.