Demolition of Stretford Memorial Hospital site opens way for housing plans

Promenade Estates has secured a S80 approval from Trafford Council to demolish parts of the former Stretford Memorial Hospital.

The move will allow the Liverpool-based developer to progress its wider planning application for the site, as well as undertake further structural surveys of Basford House, the 1860 mansion block built for Manchester cotton baron Henry Beecroft Jackson.

Nick Brookes Demolition has been commissioned to undertake the work, which will see the removal of unsympathetic single-story extensions around Basford House.  Work is set to start on June 10th, with a twelve-week contract period.

Contracts director Keiran Hatcher says the aim is to recycle ninety per cent of the site’s waste.

“We have tried and trusted means of ensuring that as much of the original construction material as possible is recycled, from the concrete slabs through to brickwork, timber and plastics.  There is some asbestos on site, so our regulated, specialised team will take responsibility for its removal and proper disposal.”

Daniel Hynd from Promenade says the company’s intention is to retain the mansion at the heart of the 2.5-acre site, designing the wider masterplan around it.

“It’s a lovely heritage building, and we have a long track record of sympathetic restoration of properties of this type and quality.  First, we’ve got to get under its skin and make it secure, as it’s not in the best condition.”

The site was acquired in October 2022 from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, the buildings having lain empty for seven years before that. 

“Our focus is ‘brownfield first’ and, whilst this is one of our smaller sites, it deserves no less attention and care.  We’re pleased to be removing a source of blight from a pleasant neighbourhood and look forward to sharing our wider plans with our neighbours in due course,” Hynd said.

Work will now begin in earnest on the scheme’s planning application, which Promenade says it hopes to submit in the summer.  The company is being advised by David Sayer Consultancy and Buttress Architects.

Basford House was constructed for Manchester cotton baron Henry Beecroft Jackson in 1860 and served as a staging hospital during World War I, then a maternity hospital, before its latter use to provide geriatric care.