'Largest ultra rapid charging hub in Europe' planned for Trafford Centre

The redevelopment will include a brand new Starbucks drive-thru, a car showroom and a new parking area with 47 electric vehicle ultra-rapid charging spaces set to be a '海角视频 first'

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Dianne BourneLifestyle Editor

11:00, 4 DEC 2024

Trafford Centre reveal plans to turn disused petrol station into new electric vehicle charging point plus a new Starbucks drive thru near M&S — Trafford Centre plans to turn a disused petrol station into new electric vehicle charging point plus a new Starbucks drive thru near M&S (Image: Matthew Nichol Photography)

Trafford Centre management has announced ambitious plans to transform a disused petrol station at a key entry point to the shopping complex. Located just off Bridgewater Circle roundabout and near the Marks & Spencer megastore, the redevelopment is set to feature a new Starbucks drive-thru, a car showroom, and a pioneering parking area with 47 electric vehicle ultra-rapid charging bays, touted as a "海角视频 first".

They also aim to erect an imposing digital advertising display accompanied by a "vertical living wall". A planning application for the project was submitted to Trafford Council this week, detailing the extensive makeover of the site positioned near the bus station and adjacent to the M60.

Subject to approval, construction is expected to commence early next year. Matthew Anderson, development director at Pradera Lateral 鈥� the asset managers for Trafford Centre, said: "We're pleased to confirm our exciting re-development plans for the old petrol station site at Trafford Centre."

He added: "The plans for this area have been brought forward in collaboration with Starbucks and a marketing leading EV manufacturer and charge point operator. We have worked closely together to design a scheme that compliments both Trafford Centre and the local area, is forwarding thinking, secures biodiversity improvements and supports more sustainable forms of travel to and from the centre."

"Our proposals will deliver a further 47 ultra rapid chargers (250kW), taking the total at the centre to 65, which is expected to make Trafford Centre the largest ultra rapid charging hub in Europe.

"We look forward to working with Trafford Council throughout the planning process. Subject to securing planning permission, construction work is targeted to begin in early 2025."

The new Drive Thru is set to boast a "modern, sustainable method of construction following the latest design principles to reduce the environmental impact of the build", reports .

The two-storey car showroom and 47 bay ultra rapid charging hub is said to be a "海角视频 first" that will improve access for EV drivers in the Manchester region.

The scheme will be complimented by two digital advertising screens forming a single display, with a hydroponic vertical living wall to the rear. This living wall is said to form "part of a high-quality landscaping plan, which has been designed to enhance the biodiversity of the whole scheme".

Aidan Williams, Trafford Council's executive member for climate change, said: "The Council supports increasing the use of electric vehicles and the transition towards a low carbon transport system.

"The proposals at the Trafford Centre will be subject to planning permission, but if approved the development will help to respond to the pressing climate emergency and ensures Trafford is at the forefront of addressing this through the creation of what is expected to be Europe's largest electric vehicle ultra rapid charging hub."