ABSTRACT
industrial estates or trading estates are now a firmly established method of providing new industrial sites in this country. The first estate—Trafford Park—was founded in 1896. Its success since then has been largely the result of the excellent transport facilities provided by the site, which is not only on the Manchester Ship Canal but has the advantage of a central position in relation to many of the manufacturing towns of the North and Midlands. In addition it was found possible to arrange with the dock and railway authorities for very low transport charges to and from the factories. Goods were loaded direct from ship to railway wagon to any part of the estate at the cost of ordinary quay porterage.
