A £1 BILLION housing and business development earmarked for land near the Trafford Centre has been unveiled.

Developer Peel Land and Property says the proposed Trafford Waters scheme - situated on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal – will include up to 3,000 flats, and 875,000ft of commercial space - including offices, shops, leisure and community uses.

The developer says more than 5,000 jobs will be created.

James Whittaker, development director at Peel Land & Property, said: “We have been working on the vision and masterplan for Trafford Waters for more than 15 years.

“ It will be an exemplar, sustainable development that will create a space for a new community to live, work and play.

“The strong links with the intu Trafford Centre and Trafford Leisure Village and unrivalled transport connections, including the Trafford Park Metrolink extension, will make Trafford Waters the place to be.

“I am delighted that we are able to present plans which, if approved, will help address housing need in the area and provide new business and employment opportunities, all while regenerating and enhancing a prominent but underused site in a fantastic waterfront location.

“I am confident that Trafford Waters will be an asset to the entire region.”

Trafford Waters will be linked to the Trafford Centre by a green bridge.

A two-day public exhibition has been arranged so that people can find out more about the proposals.

Members of the project team will be on hand to talk people through the scheme and answer questions.

The exhibition will be at : Venus, 1 Old Park Lane, Trafford Quays, Manchester, M41 7HA on Thursday, March 19 from 3 pm to 7 pm; and Saturday, March 21 from 11 am to 3 pm.