Why Trafford?

Trafford is a connected, ambitious and diverse borough at the heart of Greater Manchester. Discover the locations, sectors and support that make it a smart place to invest.

World class
Talent
The highest percentage of degree-educated adults in Greater Manchester.
15%
Business growth rate
Above regional average for new business formation.
Strong
Local economy
Third-highest GVA Link in Greater Manchester.
11,000+
Businesses
Thriving working community across all sectors.

Strategic locations

Explore key investment areas across Trafford

Old Trafford

Old Trafford

One of the largest regeneration projects in the UK, centred around the new MUFC stadium.

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Trafford Park

Trafford Park

Europe's first planned industrial estate, now a hub for logistics and advanced manufacturing.

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New Carrington

New Carrington

Major regeneration site offering significant development opportunities near local communities.

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TraffordCity

TraffordCity

Future investment enhancing one of the UK’s leading retail, leisure and commercial destinations.

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Civic Quarter

Civic Quarter

Trafford’s flagship development to address the climate emergency.

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Davenport Green

Davenport Green

Allocation delivering new homes, commercial floorspace, and a rural park near Manchester Airport.

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World-class connectivity

See how the borough is well-connected locally, nationally and internationally.

Road
The M6, M62 and M56 motorways provide fast access across the UK.
Rail
Links to Manchester, Liverpool, Stockport and Chester, with freight facilities in Trafford Park.
Metrolink
The Metrolink runs directly through Trafford, forming a key part of the Bee Network.
Air
Manchester Airport is minutes away, putting the world on Trafford’s doorstep.
Water
The historic Manchester Ship Canal connects Trafford to the Atlantic Gateway.

Thriving town centres

Four vibrant destinations for retail, leisure and community.

Altrincham

Altrincham

Award-winning town centre with unique retail, leisure and cultural scene.

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Sale

Sale

Prosperous town centre with independent stores, eateries and a renowned events space.

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Stretford

Stretford

Traditional town centre undergoing significant regeneration.

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Urmston

Urmston

Historic town centre with growing reputation and new Council plan for a refreshed vision.

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Priority sectors

Key sectors driving Trafford's economic growth

Visitor economy
Home to world-class attractions, including Old Trafford and the Trafford Centre.
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Advanced manufacturing
Leading location for manufacturing with rich industrial past.
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Logistics and distribution
Near Manchester Airport, a powerful train network and national motorways.
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Green skills
Prioritising the borough’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2038.
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Working in partnership with

  • GMCA logo
  • The Growth Company logo
  • Marketing Manchester logo

Speak to our investment team