If you’re an electric vehicle driver, you’re already living in the future. But being ahead of the game means that you often have to travel quite far to find a charging point, especially if you live in Greater Manchester, which currently has the lowest number of public electric vehicle chargers per person in England. But the times are changing and soon, Manchester could be home to Europe’s biggest supercharging hub.
A planning application has been submitted to bring a huge electric vehicle charging hub to Manchester’s Trafford Centre. If the plans are given the green light, it’s expected to be Europe’s largest concentration of electric vehicle ultra rapid charging spaces (how’s that for a tongue-twister?).
The project would involve redeveloping a former petrol station close to the shopping centre’s M&S store and nearby one of its main entrances. There will be 47 charging bays overall as well as a two-story car showroom and a super charging lounge.
A new Starbucks Drive Thru has also been proposed for the redevelopment, plus a digital advertising screen and a hydroponic vertical living wall (a wall with plants growing up it). In keeping with the green theme, the Drive Thru will be constructed following innovative design principles that reduce its environmental impact.
Matthew Anderson, development director at Pradera Lateral, the asset managers of Trafford Centre, said: ‘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.’
Aidan Williams, Trafford Council executive member for climate change, said: ‘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.’
If planning permission is secured, it’s hoped that construction will start in early 2025.
More from Manchester
There’s been loads of new plans popping up this year to make Manchester even better. It’s Gay Village is set to get a massive revamp, there’s a new ‘zig-zag’ library being built, it could be getting one of the UK’s tallest skyscrapers and there are rumours that it may get a massive underground train network.
There’s also heaps of stuff you can enjoy in Manchester right now. Here are our fave restaurants and bars, and some great museums and galleries.
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