An ambitious multi million-pound masterplan has been revealed to transform Stretford Mall and the surrounding town centre area.
The plan covers more than 27 acres and comprises five neighbourhoods - Victoria, St Ann's, Lacy Street, Stretford Centre and Stretford House - and includes turning King Street into a thriving retail centre.
That's as well as a phased redevelopment of Stretford Mall, improved transport links, pedestrianised streets, more greenery and open spaces, and a reconfigured town centre with better connections to the Bridgewater canal.
Also included are ideas such as a 'maker's yard' for small independents, a mixed-use space replacing Lacy Street car park, housing - and plans to open up the waterfront area.
It's been put forward by Bruntwood Works and Trafford Council, and follows a 15-month consultation with the community.
Cllr Andrew Western, leader of Trafford Council, said: “I am hugely excited by the wide-ranging regeneration plans for Stretford and I know local residents also share that excitement.
"Stretford has enormous potential, making it one of the most exciting towns in the region.
"The proposals will significantly improve connectivity, create valuable green and open spaces, and hubs for people to gather and interact. It will also help attract local independent businesses and exciting retail and hospitality brands, while enhancing the lives of local residents and visitors.”
Most Read
It's as part of the wider Stretford Masterplan and the Area Action Plan (AAP) - and hopes to provide places to play, work, shop and live.
According to Bruntwood, among the blueprints are plans for the historic King Street to be reinstated to provide a "thriving high street", as well as improved transport links, pedestrianised streets, more greenery and open spaces, and a reconfigured town centre with better connections to the Bridgewater canal.
That's as well as a "phased redevelopment" of Stretford Mall - "to provide an evolved retail and leisure offering to a rejuvenated King Street".
The Lacy Street area would be repurposed in a bid to unlock the connection between the town centre and the canal – an important green infrastructure and recreational route.
A series of interlinked public realm spaces where residential, retail and leisure will interact with the canal and bring people into Stretford from the wider area.
There are further plans to provide up to 800 varied residential units around Stretford Mall and St Matthew’s Church, which will include affordable housing.
More green meeting areas will be created with public squares and open spaces under the plans, with proposals for a green biodiversity corridor including a Library Square and a ‘Central Park’ at the heart of the town centre.
Don’t miss
Plans will also create improved access to the Bridgewater canal.
With a focus on attracting more local businesses to the area, the plans include proposals to create a ‘Makers Yard’ hub for small independents and the evening economy, complete with outdoor seating, eateries and bar areas.
Andrea George, town centre and consumer brands director at Bruntwood Works, said: “One key theme to emerge from the public’s feedback is the importance of bringing back a vibrant high street, which will be the beating heart of the town.
"We plan to do this by reinstating King Street and delivering the right blend of retail, leisure, workspace and mixed use space to meet the needs of the community, where local independents can be neighbours with exciting brands.
“Green and open spaces that can safely bring people together are at the centre of our proposals. The plan will deliver a mix of leafy public squares and parks, including Library Square and Central Park, and change traffic flows around the town to make it easier and safer to get around town on foot and by bicycle, while connecting the town centre with the canal waterfront.
"We look forward to working in partnership with local residents, businesses and Trafford Council to help reinvigorate Stretford town centre, and build upon its heritage so it works better for the future.”
Ongoing feedback is still welcome from residents and businesses, who can have their say via the Stretford Mall Public Consultation .