09.04.2025
SLA wins 150 ha Trafford Wharfside masterplan in Manchester
We are thrilled to share that we – together with Allies & Morrison, Civic, and JLL – have been awarded the task of creating a strategic masterplan for one of the UK’s largest urban development projects: The transformation of the 150-hectare, £4.2 billion Wharfside district around Manchester United’s legendary Old Trafford stadium.
The project has been commissioned by Trafford Council and will be developed in close cooperation with Manchester United Football Club, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and a Mayoral Development Corporation.
“We are extremely proud to continue our work in England with one of Europe’s most iconic urban areas. Trafford Wharfside offers a unique opportunity to create a green, vibrant, and inclusive neighborhood rooted in Manchester’s rich cultural and natural heritage – from the cradle of industrialization and raw harbor areas to Manchester United’s global brand in sport and entertainment.”
— Rasmus Astrup, design principal and partner at SLA.
The project’s ambitions are significant: More than 17,000 new homes, jobs, recreational areas, and cultural and leisure facilities are to be realized in the area.
The new strategic masterplan will make possible a new stadium for Manchester United (designed by Foster & Partners), incorporate iconic cultural institutions such as The Imperial War Museum North, and at the same time form the foundation for a future-ready and resilient urban development.
The strategic masterplan for Wharfside is expected to be completed in early 2026.
“This project is not just about urban renewal or creating space for a new mega stadium – it’s about rethinking the entire relationship between city, sport, nature, industrial history, the experience economy, and social cohesion. Our approach is based on the best in nature-based urban design, where green spaces, biodiversity, and climate resilience go hand in hand with social and economic values for the benefit of the local community.”
— Rasmus Astrup, design principal and partner at SLA
Contact us to know more
Francisca Álvarez
Project Manager, Associate Partner, Urban Planner
13.04.2025
SLA inaugurates UAE Pavilion Landscape at Osaka 2025 Expo
We are very proud to share that Sunday April 13, we inaugurated the UAE Pavilion landscape at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai.
03.04.2025
David Crombie Park wins Pineapples Award
We are very proud that our David Crombie Park Revitalization has won the coveted The Pineapples Award – the UK’s premier award celebrating excellence in placemaking.
12.03.2025
SLA shortlisted to reimagine the Runway at YZD
We are super excited to share that we have been shortlisted for The Runway at YZD Design Competition in Downsview, Toronto – along with a strong field consisting of CCxA, Field Operations, MVVA, and Sasaki selected amongst 47 international applicants.