Cole Waterhouse acquires former Hilti HQ

24 Apr 2024

Developer Cole Waterhouse has exchanged on the acquisition of the former Hilti headquarters in Trafford, with plans to bring forward a new mixed-use, residential-led development on the site.

The plot, which currently includes a 31,000 sq. ft. office building previously occupied by Hilti, is located within the 215-acre Trafford Wharfside regeneration zone being promoted by Trafford Council.

Cole Waterhouse exchanged on the purchase of the property and its associated land from Hilti for an undisclosed sum. The transaction was handled by Colliers on behalf of Hilti. Chapman Taylor has been appointed as architect for the project with Paul Butler Associates acting as planning consultant.

The acquisition builds on Cole Waterhouse’s growing portfolio in Trafford and Salford. In 2021, the developer completed No. 1 Old Trafford, located adjacent to the Wharfside Metrolink stop. The £73 million development comprises 354 one, two and three-bedroom apartments alongside two commercial units. Designed by Jon Matthews Architects, the scheme is set over two towers, rising to 15 and 18 storeys tall, which are connected by a centralised lobby area with residential amenity and a landscaped podium garden.

More recently, the developer’s joint venture with Taurus Investment Holdings opened the doors to Eda (Erie Dock Apartments), a 290-home Build-to-Rent development in nearby MediaCityUK. Designed exclusively for the rental market by Chapman Taylor architects and built by Domis Construction, the highly sustainable, 29-storey tower is the tallest building on Salford Quays.

Speaking about the development opportunity, Simon Gallanders, Managing Director at Cole Waterhouse, commented: “The Trafford Wharfside masterplan, which is ambitious in its scale and vision, will transform the area by creating up to 5,000 high-quality new homes, celebrating the Manchester Ship Canal waterfront, and incorporating Manchester United’s proposals to build a world-class new stadium at the centre of this burgeoning community.

“Our strategic acquisition of the former Hilti headquarters will play a key part in the council’s long-term masterplan. Our delivery of No. 1 Old Trafford and nearby Eda showcases our proven experience in bringing to life exceptional residential developments, with highly-sought-after amenities, and most importantly where people want to call home. We are now working up plans for the scheme and will look to submit a detailed planning application in Autumn 2024.”

The Wharfside regeneration zone spans east to west from Trafford Road to the Imperial War Museum, and north to south from the ship canal to the railway line, including Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium.