About the Project

The Trafford Park BID Feasibility Study has been commissioned by Trafford Council, which has appointed a Groundwork-led consortium of regeneration and economic development experts, including architects MCAU and international placemaking specialists Fourth Street. The study is exploring whether a BID or an alternative model could help drive investment, sustainability, and coordinated improvements across Trafford Park.

As one of Europe’s largest industrial estates and a vital part of Greater Manchester’s economy, Trafford Park has a strong business community with huge potential. This project aims to build on that strength by exploring different models to ensure the area continues to evolve as a thriving, sustainable, and well-managed place to do business.

This commission originated from the Greening Trafford Park project and seeks to further explore the interest from companies in playing a role in taking these plans forward for Trafford Park. The Greening Trafford Park study, produced by Arup in 2023, recommended that a BID could be a viable mechanism to address elements of the long-term sustainability challenges Trafford Park will face.

Furthermore, the Siemens Low Carbon Trafford Park 2038 study, conducted at a similar time to the Arup report, sets out a series of interventions for reducing carbon emissions across the park. It highlights engaged stakeholders and the unique opportunity to develop collaborative groups with the Council. This study emphasises the potential to cultivate a low-carbon community within the park, leveraging collective action to achieve shared sustainability goals

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have been championed by Groundwork for over 20 years. Through their work with businesses across the North West, Groundwork has empowered business communities in towns, cities, and business park locations to take positive action to improve local trading environments. Whether it’s hosting events to activate high streets or implementing security and environmental enhancements to regenerate industrial estates, businesses have embraced and supported BIDs in a variety of locations across Cheshire, Lancashire, Manchester, and Merseyside.

Since 2005, Groundwork has supported more than 35 business communities in creating and developing five-year, private sector-led investment plans. These plans drive place-based transformation for the benefit of businesses, communities, and wider stakeholders.