Introduction
Trafford Park in Greater Manchester is a recognised world-leading employment area and businesses park with over 1,300 businesses employing over 35,000 people. Trafford Park was the first planned industrial estate in the World, and remains one of the largest in Europe covering an area of 4.7 square miles. It is today home to some of the UKs biggest businesses including Manchester United Football Club, Kellogg’s, Muller and Amazon.
In 2022 Groundwork’s Sustainable Business Consultants worked alongside Arup to consult on the ‘Greening of Trafford Park’ consultation, specifically focusing on engaging businesses about the key challenges and opportunities that exist on Trafford Park with a particular focus on the potential for environmental and infrastructure improvements.
Consultation process
Groundwork released an initial business engagement survey in February and March 2022, contacting companies across Trafford Park, in person, via email and on the phone, about the research piece and the value of their feedback.
Following the survey, businesses and councillors were invited to attend a series of interactive and in-person workshops in June 2022 to learn about the preliminary findings from the Greening Trafford Park project.
Over 40 businesses were involved in the survey and workshops, Greville Kelly, Groundwork’s Director of Sustainable Business commented:
“The workshops provided a great opportunity for Groundwork and project partners from Siemens, Arup and Trafford Council to meet local companies and openly discuss the ideas being proposed for greening Trafford Park, improving active travel options and creating new local carbon solutions to support companies progress towards net-zero”
Key findings
Companies who participated in the consultation prioritised the following for future investment:
- Safety and Security (66%)
- Cleansing and General Maintenance of Trafford Park (60%)
- Active and Sustainable Travel Projects (e.g. cycling and walking projects) (43%)
- Green Infrastructure / General Image and subsequent maintenance schemes (40%)
- Business Support and Networking (28%)
- Business Park Management Services to co-ordinate improvement project (24%)
These results were shared with Trafford Council and key delivery partners for future place-based development work. The final reports from the project will be available in early 2023 when Groundwork will seek to work with Trafford Council to begin implementing improvements to Trafford Park.
Engaging businesses in development work is essential to their success. Groundwork is well-placed to undertake Business Engagement activities on industrial sites, business parks or in town centres.
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