Building is 'not for sale'

The Warwick House development for 201 flats in Talbot Road would be a welcome addition alongside the new University Academy 92 (UA92).

However, according to a report, plans to house students there are in doubt after Beech Holdings said the building is not for sale.

A planning application to redevelop the office block was recently submitted to Trafford Council by development firm Equity Solutions.

The scheme would have supported UA92, which will offer sports and media courses, and is the brainchild of Manchester United legend Gary Neville ­— and former Reds ­— Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and brother Phil.

It is expected the university, which will be housed across the street in the former Kellogg’s building, will open its doors in time for the 2019/20 academic year.

Meanwhile, the council and Equity Solutions have considered leasing the West Point building located in Chester Road, which would house 317 flats.

In addition, there are plans to "acquire" the derelict Charlton House, in Chester Road, either by an agreement or by a compulsory purchase order.

The report read: “The option agreement would allow the council to serve notice on the owners of West Point to take on a lease of the whole or part of the property, to be sublet as student accommodation.

“The agreement itself does not commit the authority to anything at this stage.

“However, it would provide certainty for UA92 in promoting the university to students that there will be dedicated student accommodation available.”

The report continued: “In addition, the council will make full use of its powers to support the development of student accommodation by others and enable land assembly as required.”

It is expected more than 650 students will enrol in the university in 2019 ­— and that figure will double by 2020.

According to reports the university could generate £33m per year for the local economy and provide 800 jobs.

The report is due to be discussed by members of Trafford’s executive board today.