YHA (England & Wales) is to run and manage a new youth hostel and training centre located on the outskirts of Chester.

Opening in August 2021, the new youth hostel will create jobs, training and volunteering opportunities in two of the hardest hit sectors in the pandemic – hospitality and recreation.

YHA Chester Trafford Hall, a Grade II listed building is located just four miles from Chester in the village of Wimbolds Trafford in Cheshire. The stunning Georgian mansion house is set in 14 acres of organic gardens, fields and woodland and is strategically placed for the many schools, groups, families and individuals that visit the historic Roman city and nearby Chester Races, Cheshire Oaks and Chester Zoo visitor attractions.

In addition to 53 en suite bedrooms, which sleep between two and five people, YHA Chester Trafford Hall also has extensive conference and meeting facilities which will be available for day and residential hire.

Trafford Hall is an environmental haven, a model of conservation and *green building. The Grade ll listed building boasts outstanding environmental credentials having recently received an EPC rating of B, only six points off an A rating, falling within the top 11% of EPCs. The rebuilt, timber frame Stables annex is already carbon neutral.

Additionally, the Hall uses 100% renewable energy for heating and hot water following the installation of a biomass district generator and solar panels. Only the kitchen stove uses gas. The all-organic grounds include an organic kitchen garden.

Welcoming YHA Chester Trafford Hall to YHA's network of hostels James Blake Chief Executive of YHA (England & Wales) said: “It is without doubt one of the most difficult times in YHA's 90-year history however, with the vaccine roll-out well under way we see light at the end of the tunnel for everyone, so we are delighted to be in a position to move forward with the opening of YHA Chester Trafford Hall later this year.

“What the pandemic has shown us all is the importance of time together in the outdoors. YHA Chester Trafford Hall's strategic location in the North West at the gateway to Chester, will play a significant role in our charity's aim to welcome 5 million people to stay in a youth hostel in England and Wales over the next five years.

“YHA Chester Trafford Hall offers affordable accommodation for young people, families and schools, as well as a great location for team building and residential corporate away days, which I know will be very much welcomed once travel restrictions are lifted.”

From 1989 until February 2019, Trafford Hall was owned and operated by the National Communities Resource Centre (NCRC) as a training and outreach centre and conferencing venue. Earlier this year NCRC joined The Regenda Group.

As part of the partnership between Regenda and YHA, Trafford Hall will continue to be the home of the National Communities Resource Centre as it continues to grow as a charity, helping social landlords across the country, residents and frontline staff to develop the skills needed to tackle serious social problems at a local level.

Subject to Covid-19 safety guidance, YHA aims to welcome guests and course participants to YHA Chester Trafford Hall from August later this year.

Private en suite rooms start from just £29.00 and are available to book at www.yha.org.uk.