Building begins on giant Trafford Waters regeneration scheme where 3,000 homes will eventually stand
A developer behind the £2bn Trafford Waters scheme that will ultimately deliver 3,000 new homes says construction has begun on the first phase of 113 properties.
X1 Developments has announced that 79 of the homes off Trafford Way amid the site of the huge regneration project have been sold.
The investment comes after Manchester United recently unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art 100,000-seat stadium to replace Old Trafford.
Trafford Waters is part of Peel Waters’ 600-acre masterplan for TraffordCity.
It is expected to attract 30m visitors a year to the Trafford Centre and adjacent hubs like the Chill Factore, indoor ski dome and a padel tennis complex.
Phase one features one, two and three-bed waterfront apartments and X1 says interest from investors looking to benefit from 6pc rental returns and short-term lettings ‘remains strong’.
X1 chief executive Nick Sweeney said: “Being the first to deliver high-spec, privately owned apartments at Trafford Waters is a proud moment for us and demonstrates our long-term commitment to creating quality homes within a vibrant, mixed-use community.
“TraffordCity represents more than just development — it’s about building a connected environment where people can live, work, and enjoy leisure all in one place. This milestone marks significant progress in making that vision a reality.”
More than 10 acres of the 50-acre site will be dedicated to green spaces, including a central park overlooking the Manchester Ship Canal waterfront.
Upwards of £10m is also to be spent on a new lifting bridge over the ship canal and improvements to the local road network.
Plans also include a two-form entry primary school and a variety of leisure amenities.
Meanwhile, a new flagship FIRMA Health & Wellbeing Spa – a £500m project set to become Europe’s largest glass building – is also in progress.
This will be alongside a new multi-purpose ice arena, outdoor surf centre and luxury hotels.
Peel Waters managing director James Whittaker said: “Our family business has been shaping Greater Manchester’s landscape for over 50 years.
“Trafford Waters is a continuation of that legacy, blending world-class infrastructure with a genuine community-focused approach. We’re committed to creating a neighbourhood where people feel proud to live, with exceptional standards for public spaces, ongoing maintenance, and amenities that support a vibrant lifestyle.”