Trafford adopts plan to ‘future-proof’ Urmston
Focusing on a 27-acre chunk of at the heart of the town, a strategy has been devised to ensure Urmston retains its vitality in the face of shifting market dynamics around retail and usher in the next wave of regeneration projects.
The interventions set out in the Urmston plan, adopted by Trafford Council this week, are due to be delivered over the next 15 years and are the most significant changes proposed in the town since Eden Square completed in 2012.
While regeneration projects in Altrincham, Sale, and Stretford have gathered pace, Urmston, which is home to around 43,000 residents, has remained out of the spotlight for more than a decade.
Drawn up by AEW Architects, Avison Young, CWS, and Vectos, the Urmston Plan intends to change that.
The framework is aimed at guiding future policy, actions, and investment within the town centre and particularly around the confluence of Flixton Road, Station Road, Crofts Bank Road, and Railway Road.
The plan “is intended to future-proof the town as a viable, sustainable and dynamic place over the next 15 years…[and] assist in ensuring that Urmston best meets its full potential as a centre that serves the local community”, according to a report to Trafford executive.
Sites with potential for redevelopment mentioned in the plan include the former Urmston Market, where McGoff has consent for a mixed-use scheme inspired by Altrincham Market, and the former Trafford Council depot on Higher Road, which is earmarked for resi.
The former bank on the corner of Crofts Bank Road and Railway Road and the former Co-op Funeralcare on the corner of Station Road and Higher Road.
Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s executive member for economy and regeneration, said: “The Urmston Plan is great news for local residents and businesses as it has created a positive vision for the town that works for the community and businesses.
“Trafford council is totally committed to improving all of our four town centres – Stretford, Altrincham, Sale and, of course, Urmston. The new Urmston Plan has been drawn up with the help of partners and residents. It will set a framework for the town centre to meet the needs of residents and businesses now and in the future and will form the basis to be able to apply for funding when it becomes available.”
