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Trafford Borough
Trafford is one of the most prosperous and exciting places to live in Greater Manchester. Comfortably nestled in between the vibrant city and affluent Cheshire, it has a strong economy with low levels of unemployment and above the national average weekly income (the only borough in GM which can boast this).
Trafford’s reputation for being a place where people do well is cemented by the fact it is home to the world’s first industrial park – spread over five square miles of former deer park and woodland. In 1897, Trafford Park was built on land purchased from one of the area’s most noble families, the De Traffords. At the height of its powers, in 1945, it employed 75,000 people. Today it remains a great place to do business; it is the largest industrial park in Europe, home to more than 1,300 businesses employing more than 35,000 people.
But Trafford isn’t just attractive because of its economy; its green spaces and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors also make it appealing. Dunham Massey - a National Trust property comprising of a Georgian house and acres of parkland that is home to the famous red deer - can be found in Trafford. In addition, there are 37 parks in the borough, 11 of which have achieved Green Flag status.
The arts are equally well represented in Trafford. The borough’s Waterside Arts Centre puts on an exciting programme of dance, theatre, comedy and music throughout the year.
Not to mention that some of the world’s most influential and iconic musicians have called Trafford their home. Ian Curtis from the seminal Joy Division was born in Old Trafford and The Smiths' frontman Morrissey lived in Altrincham (which luckily for Mozza is also the home of the Vegetarian Society)!
Love reading? There are 11 libraries across the borough and Trafford is one of the few authorities who doesn’t issue fines. The libraries also host a wide variety of social groups, there’s
something for all ages from toddler story time to knitting groups.
The award-winning Imperial War Museum North sits next to the set of the popular soap, Coronation Street on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal in The Quays area of Trafford.
The legendary Old Trafford football ground home to Manchester United Football Club is situated in Trafford Park. Another world class sporting venue for cricket is just minutes away at Emirates Old Trafford. As well as club matches, the ground hosts international test matches, and the recent Cricket World Cup.
You can find world class athletics in Trafford too. Trafford Athletics Club members have competed at major events including the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. Gold Winning Olympian Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill has represented Trafford.
From unique independents to the giants of high street, there is a host of options for shoppers in Trafford. For those wanting designer and high street shopping all under one roof, the Intu Trafford Centre offers all this and more.
If independent style shops are your thing, then take a tram to Altrincham, which was recently crowned England’s champion high street in the Great British High Street awards. The town is home to “Altrincham Originals” a range of shops that offer unique products that you won’t find on the high street. It also boasts Altrincham Market where you can browse stalls packed with stylish vintage items.
Altrincham is just one of Trafford’s four town centres, each with its own distinctive personality.
Stretford, another popular Trafford town, offers an affordable option for young families and university graduates and is becoming an increasingly popular place to live thanks to its fantastic community feel, proximity to Manchester city centre and excellent transport links.
The lowest crime and the best schools in Greater Manchester make Trafford a popular place for families.
Our primary schools are in the top 10 in the country for phonics screening, with our primary school children recently achieving an impressive 86.3 % in tests to assess their reading and writing.
There’s never been a better time to enjoy higher education in Trafford; alongside the successful Trafford College, the borough now boasts its own university. University Academy 92, the brainchild of Class of 92 footballers (including Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes) opened its doors to students in September 2019. UA92 degrees are designed to lead students into successful careers in the worlds of media, business, sport and computer science. Trafford Council is among the university’s partners.
And for those who have the environment close to their heart, Trafford is the best performing district in Greater Manchester and the highest performing metropolitan district in the country for recycling domestic waste.
Trafford employs an Armed Forces Lead Officer who is responsible for delivering our Armed Forces Covenant commitments and the Trafford Armed Forces Partnership. Our Covenant work was recognised by the Ministry Of Defence in 2019 when we were awarded the Employee Recognition Scheme Gold award.
Together with partners, Trafford hosts drop-in surgeries for the Armed Forces community at local libraries, where anyone needing advice or assistance can find out about the help that is available to them.
A number of Armed Forces events are held throughout the year including Armed Forces Week, the Poppy Appeal launch, and military exhibitions at our annual community festival, Trafford Live.
There are a range of active social groups for the Armed Forces community in Trafford; including a veterans’ breakfast, a craft group
and a community allotment. Details of how to get involved in these groups are available from the Armed Forces Officer.
Trafford Council, Armed Forces Lead Officer, Sue Wright email: sue.wright@trafford.gov.uk Office email: Partnershipsteam@ trafford.gov.uk Tel: 0161 912 1173 Mobile: 07980 965 635 Armed Forces Champion: Cllr. Mrs Judith Lloyd Judith.lloyd@trafford.gov.uk http://www.trafford.gov.uk/ residents/armed-forces/ Armed-Forces-in-Trafford.aspx
