Hale Barns shopping centre plans on view

20 Jul 2010, 12:52

Michael Hunt

A public exhibition showing new proposals for redevelopment of The Square Shopping Centre in Hale Barns is being held on Friday.

Development Securities in partnership with Citybranch is working with local architects to improve the scheme that was granted planning consent two years ago.

Previous plans for supermarket-led scheme included 51 apartments and a further 14 shops.

The new proposals now include 24 apartments and space for up to ten retail units. The plans also include a foodstore with café, which will both be operated by Booths.

Development Securities said it is aiming to change the scale and appearance of the current design, to help address previous concerns raised by the local community.

Paul Patenall, director of Development Securities, said: "As one of the country's most experienced development companies, we believe that we can significantly improve the existing plans, delivering a scheme that local people can support and take pride in.

"The design will be more in keeping with the architecture in Hale Barns, reflecting the strong local character which is prevalent in many of the buildings throughout the village.

"In terms of scale, the total size of the retail units has been reduced by around 20% and there will be half the number of apartments. These will all be designed to the highest specification and to appeal to professionals and families.

"We are confident that our new proposals will address the concerns previously raised by local people and provide a new centre for Hale Barns that is both sustainable and architecturally appealing."

Development Securities is inviting local people to view the new proposals at The Square Shopping Centre on Friday 23 July between 9:30am and 7pm.

Following the consultation, Development Securities said it will be submitting its planning application.

If Trafford Council approves the new application, Development Securities aims to start work in 2011 with a view to the scheme being fully operational during 2012.

Your Comments

2 Comments Add Comment

I hope there will be provision for a temporary Post Office whilst the redevelopment is taking place…

comment by J Denton | 25/07/2010 11:41:14

I welcome the new design and look forward to its completion. It's good that sensitivity has now been shown to the local environment and to local views. It's a pity that there was no prior consultation at the beginning of this process - would have saved a lot of time and trouble.
I also think it's important to keep local post office going during construction.…

comment by B Lee | 28/07/2010 14:47:43