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Introduction

Trafford Council embarked on an ambitious journey to create a digital design code for the entire borough, driving urban transformation that aligns with the government’s growth agenda.

Facing tight deadlines, complex challenges, and a vision for sustainable growth, Trafford Council turned to us for expertise and innovation. We delivered solutions that not only met their immediate needs but also set new standards for digital urban planning and long-term regeneration.

Challenges

Trafford Council needed to develop a cutting-edge digital design code as part of the UK government’s Design Code Pathfinder Programme. Like many local planning authorities, they lacked the in-house expertise to create an interactive and user-friendly digital document that met government standards. The project had to be completed within a tight timeframe, with funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities (DLUHC), adding pressure to deliver an innovative solution quickly.

Solutions

We supported Trafford Council in creating one of the first truly digital design codes in the UK, offering a solution that went beyond simply digitising a document:

- Urban design expertise: We provided in-depth urban design expertise to shape the content of the design code, ensuring it met both community needs and government standards.

- Visuals and production: We produced graphics, 3D models, virtual reality simulations, and other visual media, to ensure the design code was visually engaging and easy to use.

- User experience strategy: We developed a strategy to make the design code interactive, easy to navigate and accessible to a wide audience. This approach encouraged broader public participation in the planning process.

Results

The impact of the design code has been transformative for Trafford, resulting in:

- Efficiency and streamlined decision-making: Both projects provided clear, predefined standards that accelerated decision-making, reduced delays, and allowed developers to better understand design expectations. This led to faster project approvals, smoother collaboration between stakeholders, and fewer disputes.

- Certainty for developers: By defining building heights, massing, land use, and other planning standards, the design code and masterplan offered developers a transparent framework that ensures alignment with the council’s vision for sustainable growth. This ensures compliance, reduces risks and leads to a smoother development process across the borough.

- Community engagement and empowerment: The design code’s interactive, digital-first approach gave residents an active role in the planning process, empowering them to shape their neighbourhoods and ensuring their voices were heard.

“The Trafford Design Code sets the standards of what we want to see in terms of the design of new places and buildings. It puts people at the heart of design decisions and will have a positive impact in our neighbourhoods for years to come.”

Cllr Liz Patel
Councillor and Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration from Trafford Counci

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