In one of the region's biggest schemes, Willmott Dixon will deliver a mixed-use development that includes community centre, bistro café, pharmacy, health care facilities and 80 extra-care apartments.

The extra-care apartments are an important addition to provide people over 55 with high quality accommodation with an emphasis on independent living.

In addition, St Bride’s Church is being demolished and rebuilt as part of the redevelopment which will also see a public library, a multi-function activity hall, a day nursery and sports changing rooms.

The Shrewsbury Street project is an integral part of the wider Old Trafford Master Plan being led and delivered by Trafford Housing Trust in partnership with Trafford Council and the Homes and Communities Agency. The development will complete in summer 2017 and be a catalyst for wider social cohesion and economic growth in Old Trafford.

Matthew Gardiner, Chief Executive of Trafford Housing Trust, said:

“Trafford Housing Trust is ten years old this year and the transformation of Shrewsbury Street is a great example of the investment, vision and commitment we continue to bring to the borough.

“The scheme will bring a real sense of identity and place to Shrewsbury Street and adjacent neighbourhoods, and the new facilities and amenities will form the centrepiece of the Trust’s long-term masterplan for the wider Old Trafford area.”

Executive Member for Economic Growth and Planning, Councillor Michael Hyman, said:

“This is a really exciting milestone to reach in the project and we are delighted that work has begun on site, it will not be long before local people start to see some real changes taking place.

“The Council is delighted that it has been able to play its part in getting this project off the ground with the provision of the land on which to build the development, which itself is a great example of partners working together. We and the Trust are bringing facilities to promote health and wellbeing, as well as improved accommodation, and potentially employment and training opportunities.”

Stuart Belfield, operations director at Willmott Dixon’s housing company based in Manchester, said:

“Willmott Dixon is proud to be involved in this innovative project which will bring new community amenities to the heart of Old Trafford. The scheme demonstrates a true partnership between all stakeholders and with our commitment to community engagement this project will leave a lasting legacy beyond bricks and mortar.”