Stretford JV’s options for ‘revitalising area’
Canalside residential, greener streets and offices closer to where people live are all being considered by Bruntwood Works and Trafford Council, as plans were unveiled for a latest round of consultation online.
The JV partners said that having considered the feedback from events in November and January, the virtual consultation at www.futurestretford.co.uk showcases possible options for the future of Stretford Mall and Trafford Council’s wider Stretford Masterplan and Area Action Plan, which would enable the council to use land assembly powers where required.
The plan stretches across the four neighbourhoods of Victoria, Arndale House and the Mall, St Ann’s and Lacy Street on the Bridgewater Canal.
Options being considered:
- Lacy Street – canalside community and park
- St Ann’s – improve access to town centre and canal
- Victoria – greener and cleaner streets, safer park
- Central – bring Essoldo cinema back into use, later opening times, independent shops
- Arndale House – coworking offices taking advantage of trend for working from home and closer to where people live
Important themes identified from the earlier consultations include a focus on improving pedestrian and cycle links across Stretford, retaining and attracting more independent businesses to the Mall, improvements in leisure and shopping facilities generally, and a need to make the area more accessible in the evenings.
Andrea George, regional director of town centres and consumer brands at Bruntwood Works, said: “We have used the feedback from previous events to inform this latest stage of consultation – these are ideas that have been shaped by the community who want their town centre to satisfy a variety of needs. Our aim is to help revitalise Stretford town centre by making it an even more vibrant place in which to work, live and play. The virtual consultation showcases options for the future of Stretford Mall, including ideas to reinvigorate the retail and leisure offer, alongside commercial and residential opportunities. We are looking forward to hearing what people think of the latest ideas.”
Cllr Andrew Western, Labour leader of Trafford Council, said: “It’s clear that the people of Stretford and town centre visitors care passionately about the future of the area. While it’s disappointing that we are unable to discuss our possible options with the community face-to-face, I am confident that this virtual consultation will give everybody the opportunity to have their say. We are determined that the community should continue to be properly included in the debate about how we continue to reinvigorate Stretford and its town centre.”
Bruntwood Works and Trafford Council bought Stretford Mall from M&M Asset Management in autumn 2019. The joint venture is also planning to redevelop Stamford Quarter and Clarendon House, both in Altrincham.
