THE £1BN Trafford Waters development will be built over a 15 to 20 year period, says landowner Peel.

Work on the first phase of the scheme – comprising nearly 300 flats – is expected to get underway in 2018, and be completed by 2020.

The rest of the work to transform the 62-acre plot near the Trafford Centre will be undertaken in six successive phases up to the mid 2030s.

When completed it is expected to boast 3,000 flats, mostly in blocks of eight to 10 floors, but with a couple of landmark blocks of up to 17 floors.

There will be areas for offices and small scale supermarkets and shops, as well as restaurants and cafes, while a network of green corridors and waterways will run through the site.

Leisure facilities will include small scale sports pitches and children’s play areas, and a primary school is also planned.

Around 500 building site jobs will be created during construction of the scheme, and the completed development will be the base for about 4,500 office and retail posts.

Peel claims the neighbouring 148-years-old All Saints Church – which is a listed building – will not be adversely affected by the development – and that its setting will actually be enhanced.

James Whittaker, development director at Peel Land and 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.”

A spokesman for Trafford Council said the Trafford Waters site has been identified as a strategic development location.

“Its potential to provide new homes and business space will help support further economic growth.

“As part of the independent planning process, the council will carry out a full consultation on any development.

“Comments and views from this will then be considered carefully ahead of a final decision being made on whether or not to grant the necessary planning permission