Breaking ground marks an exciting future for Cornbrook

The partners behind an exciting new build to rent development in Greater Manchester braved ice and snow to mark a significant milestone in the project’s construction.

The ground-breaking event celebrated the beginning of construction works at the circa £75 million development at Cornbrook in Trafford, which will see 363 apartments built by ISG. 

A stone’s throw from Cornbrook interchange tram station, the new homes for private rent, which have been brought forward by developer, Brickland, will transform the area bringing an underused site back to life.

The development will offer one and two-bedroom units, and duplex and townhouse apartments for private rent. 

Designed to create strong community bonds, the development will include a co-working space, a library, gym, rooftop and private gardens, and resident lounge areas.

Once complete in autumn 2020, the area will be managed by leading build to rent operator, LIV, which worked closely with Brickland throughout the conception and design stages to develop the scheme and secure funding from the European investment arm of global investment manager, Heitman.  

As the main regeneration partner, ISG will build two separate high-rise residential towers with a slip form concrete core and traditional brick façade, undercroft car parking, raised courtyards and innovative landscaping, including the formation of a new tree-lined public avenue.

Cllr Andrew Western, Leader of Trafford Council, spoke of the importance of the much-needed new homes to the wider regeneration of Trafford at the event.

He said: “We are proud of the work the Council and its partners have put into this scheme.

"These high-quality apartments will help meet the demand for more rental accommodation in the borough. The scheme will also provide employment opportunities for local workers and apprentices.”

The project itself will deliver significant benefits to the Trafford community.

Almost 30 apprentices will learn their trade on site, with the creation of 19 new jobs and 20 work experience placements.

Sam Rowlands, CEO at Brickland, said: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone in the project and together with our investment partners Heitman look forward to seeing the project move forward through the construction phase.” 

Paul Munro, ISG’s regional director, said: “These new homes are addressing the region’s continuing demand for high-quality rented accommodation, and the wider regeneration will completely transform the quality of life for local people.  

“At ISG we are focused on leaving a lasting legacy in the communities we work in and look forward to bringing training and new job opportunities to the community, which will ensure the construction of this development continues to deliver for the people of Trafford long after we leave site.” 

Graham Bates, chief executive of operators, LIV, said: “We are proud to have worked with Brickland and Heitman to advise on design and funding of this exciting scheme, which will become a real gateway destination with rents people can afford.” 

This is one of two schemes awarded to the MediaCityUK-based ISG by Brickland.

ISG is also on site at the nine-storey, 200-unit development in the Baltic Triangle area of Liverpool.