The council has released an "ambitious" new environmental plan for Trafford Park which it hopes will set the borough on track to become carbon neutral by 2038.

The Greening and Low Carbon Trafford Park studies, announced at the council’s executive committee earlier this month, issued several recommendations that, if actioned, could potentially reduce the area’s emissions from 700,000 tonnes per year to less than 50,000 tonnes per year.

At present, Trafford Park, which is the largest industrial site in Europe, is responsible for more than 50 per cent of all the borough's carbon output.

Trafford Council leader, Cllr Tom Ross, said: “These are ambitious plans, but the sizable reduction in carbon emissions we are aiming for will benefit the users of Trafford Park as well as the wider borough, providing cleaner air for all.

“We know taking this forward will require strong partnership work, but I believe it is well within our capabilities.

"We owe it to future generations to find a way to succeed.”

The studies were commissioned following a successful funding bid to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and were carried out by consultants from Arup, Siemens and Groundwork Greater Manchester.

The recommendations include:

  • Converting disused rail lines into active travel routes.
  • Installing 2600 charging points for electric vehicles.
  • Deliver a park-wide renewable heat network.
  • Improve energy efficiency across Trafford Park businesses.
  • Make green energy a significant power source.
  • Improve park infrastructure and make it more attractive to businesses.

Peter Webster, associate director at Arup, said: “An industrial park that has low carbon and green infrastructure design principles at heart is going to be really important in terms of retaining and attracting businesses who want an environment that is attractive and a location that employees can access in a sustainable, safe and cost-effective manner.”

The plans are intended to support the delivery of the council’s Carbon Neutral Action Plan and to combat the climate emergency declared by the council in 2018, with aims to reach net zero by 2038 along with the GMCA.

Any developments resulting from the studies is expected to need significant financing from external sources, likely from the private sector, with research into funding sources now to be carried out.

The council’s executive committee is set to see a prioritised list of recommendations arising from the studies, which will be guided by the Trafford Climate Change Commission.