CONSTRUCTION work has officially commenced on the Carrington regeneration scheme.

Kate Green, MP for Stretford and Urmston, and Andrew Western, Leader of Trafford Council, broke ground at Carrington Gateway, the first stage of the regeneration project.

Developer HIMOR is working with Trafford Council to transform the former Shell petrochemical site, with planning permission already in place for 725 new homes.

Work is also underway on a extensive package of 'enabling works' that will prepare the site for future phases. 

Speaking at the ground-breaking, Cllr Western, said: “Future Carrington is an important location for the future of Trafford as the single largest regeneration scheme in the North West.

“It has the potential to create nearly 15,000 new jobs and up to 7,000 much needed new homes for the wider city region for many years to come.”

Will Ainscough, executive chairman of HIMOR, added: “The journey towards realising the long-term vision for Carrington starts now.

“Over the next 18 months, we’ll be putting the building blocks in place for the site’s rebirth as a vibrant new community, first with the Gateway commercial scheme and then Carrington Village, a new residential development.”

Kate Green, MP for Stretford and Urmston, said: “Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Carrington’s history and an important milestone in delivering a new vision for the future of the site as a home for both business and local families.

“I’m honoured to be putting the first shovel in the ground at this landmark project, and I look forward to seeing the exciting new opportunities and benefits Future Carrington can bring to the local area over the coming years.”