No.1 Old Trafford

Designed by Jon Matthews Architects, the development employs simple, elegant architecture with quality materials including heritage brick to establish a clear identity and set a benchmark for this part of the city. Formal outer elevations contrast with more playful inner façades around the podium garden landscaped by Exterior Architecture. The wider public realm has been enhanced to create a lasting setting for residents and visitors. The project comprises approximately 214,000 square feet with two commercial units and reached completion in May 2021 with a development value of around £73 million.

Domis Utilities acted as the integrated utilities partner from early works to final connection, delivering programme certainty in a complex urban environment. Our role covered full utility infrastructure for the development with one accountable team coordinating design, installation, testing and energisation to protect dates and budget.

The scope included a new high voltage substation to secure resilient electrical capacity, new gas and water networks sized for the completed scheme, permanent water and power connections for apartments and commercial units, and careful management of service disconnections. Temporary power and temporary water were provided to maintain productivity through construction and commissioning, with all utilities activities integrated into the main works sequence.

Our approach is permit first and programme led. Strong relationships with local authorities and statutory providers brought approvals forward and reduced risk on the critical path. Integrated control across disconnections, temporary strategies and permanent connections removed handoffs, minimised disruption around a constrained site and ensured safe delivery with clear public interfaces.

The result is faster energisation, a clean transition from temporary to permanent services and reliable day one operation for residents and building management. By delivering the substation, new gas and water networks and coordinated permanent connections on time and within budget, Domis Utilities enabled No.1 Old Trafford to open as a distinctive Trafford landmark that blends leisure and lifestyle in the perfect position. Formal, outer brick elevations contrast more playful inner elevations, which encompass an elegant podium garden where residents can enjoy landscaping by Exterior Architecture.