A development partner is needed if the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Trafford Council's proposals for homes on the site of the old GMP HQ are to go ahead.

The authorities agreed to a joint venture towards the end of last year in a bid to add a significant number of homes to the site on Chester Road, 25 per cent of them affordable.

Until around 10 years ago, the site was used GMP HQ, before the forced moved to Central Park in Newton Heath.

READ MORE: Plans for homes on site of Old Trafford tower blocks and pub.

The proposals are a part of a scheme called the Civic Quarter Area Action Plan, which aims to add hundreds of homes to the area between Manchester United's Old Trafford and the town hall, as well as a range of other amenities for the community.

Applications to become the development partner of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Trafford Council are open to a shortlist of developers until September.

The authorities want the joint venture's application to be submitted for planning approval in around a year's time.

READ MORE: Plans revived for 30 affordable homes on Sale Masonic Hall site.

Andrew Western, council leader and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority's lead for clean air, regeneration and housing, said: "The establishment of the Civic Quarter has presented the council with a fantastic opportunity to develop local amenities, improve community uses of the areas and, of course, to build more housing.

"Trafford Council is totally committed to providing more affordable homes across the borough and this scheme, if approved, will provide a sizeable number of cheaper homes for residents and meet with our carbon neutral policies.

"We are now at the important stage of going out to market to find a suitable developer to work alongside on the plans.

"The process is important and we will take every step possible to select the right developer for the good of Trafford."