Major boost for plans to regenerate former Shell site

Plans to regenerate the huge former Shell petrochemicals site in Greater Manchester through a new mixed-use scheme, which includes creating 1 million sq ft of employment space, have received a major boost.A special meeting of Trafford Council’s planning committee is due to review a pair of applications by land and property company HIMOR. The two schemes involve redeveloping one of the largest freehold sites in the region.The first is a hybrid application to redevelop a 123-acre site, creating up to 500,000 sq ft of employment space as well as 10,000 sq ft of retail and health floor space, and 725 homes. Full planning permission is sought for matters including the demolition of all existing buildings, the re-contouring of the site and new access arrangement, while outline planning consent is requested for the proposed employment space, retail and health floor space, and residential accommodation.The project also involves building replacement facilities for Carrington Rugby Club.Meanwhile, the second is an outline application to regenerate a 35.9-acre site, creating up to 472,256 sq ft of new employment space. An illustrative masterplan indicates that there could be up to 32 buildings rising up to 20 metres high.A report prepared by planning officers ahead of the meeting has recommended that councillors should be minded to approve both applications.HIMOR first released its draft Future Carrington masterplan in February 2016.The company was acquired by residential property developer Wain Group in December 2016. At the same time, Bill Ainscough’s son Will, the founder and chairman of HIMOR, was appointed executive chairman of the group.