Stretford’s King Street reopens this weekend after 60 years

Bruntwood and Trafford Council have finished work on the street, which offers more than 86,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space.

The street had previously been enclosed by Stretford Mall, itself set for demolition by the end of this year.

Main contractor Caddick has handed over the scheme, with Trafford residents set to enjoy the reopened street as it opens this weekend with a festival.

The project goes beyond just King Street and includes Pinnington Lane and the newly created Sir Tony Lloyd Square, named after the late MP. A refurbished multi-storey car park will open later this year.

Cllr Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council, welcomed the opening announcement.

“This is fantastic news and will totally transform the town centre,” he said.

“Working with our partners, Bruntwood, our masterplan was all about creating a thriving high street with a mix of shops and services, hospitality and spaces for the community and we achieved just that,” he continued.

“Trafford Council is committed to the regeneration of our town centres and helping provide a thriving economy in the borough.”

A series of retailers are already lined up to take space at King Street, many moving from the soon-to-be demolished Stretford Mall. These include Costa, EE, Reel Around the Fountain, Home Bargains, Max Spielman, Greggs, and Card Factory. They have taken, together, more than 25,000 sq ft of total space.

Loungers has signed a lease for 5,000 sq ft on the street to open the Fosforo Lounge restaurant.

Hollywood Nails, Gola Gifts, and Eboni’s are also lined up to take up space.

The ribbon has been cut, but Trafford residents will have to wait until Saturday to explore King Street. Credit: Jon Parker Lee

“After over 60 years of closure, King Street has been reinstated as the heart of Stretford town centre, offering a space for independent and national businesses to thrive, and a place for the community to come together,” reflected Chris Roberts, chief development officer at Bruntwood.

Later, he added: “This moment is the result of a shared vision with Trafford Council that puts people, enterprise and environment at its heart, and we look forward to continuing to support the council as the transformation of the town centre continues.”

King Street is part of a wider Stretford town centre regeneration programme, which will eventually feature the building of around 800 homes.

Those working on the King Street project included Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Civic Engineers, Exterior Architecture, Avison Young, Studio MUTT Architects, and Richard Boothroyd & Associates.