Trafford to hold public forum on Stretford masterplan
Trafford Council will outline the next steps for its masterplan for Stretford at a public event at St Ann’s Social Club next month, focussing on the redevelopment of Lacy Street and public realm proposals around the A56.
The masterplan for Stretford was signed off by Trafford Council in January this year following an extensive consultation which took in the views of around 2,000 residents.
Since the consultation, the council said some changes had been made to “key parts” of the masterplan; the council said “the time is now right to update residents on the current state of play and ask for feedback for the next elements of the Masterplan due to move forward.”
While not a formal consultation, the event will be used to “encourage informed debate and discussion” over the plans.
Referenced in the masterplan is the UA92 development, a sports, media, and business-focussed university on the Kellogg’s site on Talbot Road and Brian Statham Way.
This will include student accommodation, teaching space, and a new leisure centre to replace the existing Stretford Leisure Centre. The site will also include office and university space, a hotel and apartments, and sits within the Civic Quarter masterplan, which is undergoing a separate consultation process.
Trafford has also earmarked a number of sites for redevelopment: Lacy Street; the Town Centre; and the Essoldo cinema.
Redevelopment has already begun in Stretford with the demolition of Stretford Mall, which is being partially knocked down to make way for more public realm and further development. Casualties include O’Briens pub, which is being cleared at the southern end of the site. These works will cut the size of the mall by around 49,000 sq ft.
Trafford Council has previously stated it would look to use compulsory purchase order powers to bring forward development around Edge Lane.
At Lacy Street, the council had previously considered building a high-density student development on the site, but this has been scaled back following “strong opposition” from consultation respondents. It has now be “re-examined” to potentially feature a lower-rise and less dense scheme including affordable housing, student flats, and ground floor commercial.
The council has also this summer consulted on plans for a “Civic Quarter” encompassing the Town Hall, Cricket Club, and future University Academy 92 site; this could also include a festival square and processional route for sports celebrations.
Trafford Council leader Cllr Andrew Western said: “This meeting, rather than being a formal consultation is an opportunity to listen to what is important to local residents and how that may have changed in recent months. It is an opportunity to give the people of Stretford a clear voice in the conversation which is very important to me personally.’
“That’s not to say that there won’t be many challenges along the way and more conversations to have – this is after all a huge regeneration opportunity. I am committed to continuing to work together for the best outcomes for all, and feel extremely optimistic about the future of Stretford.”
Registration for the event can be found here. It will take place on 2 October between 6pm and 8pm.
Stretford mall shopping centre is like a ghost town and the council should reduce the rates
By Anonymous
Dear Sir/Madam
I am a born and bred resident of Stretford for over 70 years, during this time I have witnessed a slow degeneration of the centre in question. Once the approach to the station from Chester Rd was a respectable orderly area with well-dressed shops to be admired and pleasant to walk past. Look again, 50 years later and empty shops, overfilled bins and vehicles parked on the pavement, this has become an area reminiscent of the third world and neglect. I would like these items to be addressed during this meeting and dealt with.
By Mrs Sandra Frost
Trafford Council should consider relocating to a venue that allows all residents to attend rather than holding a ticket-only event
By Gorse Hill Resident