Outline approval for town centre masterplan

Bruntwood and Trafford Council’s town centre regeneration scheme in Stretford has been given the green light.The multimillion-pound outline planning application was submitted at the end of 2021 following an extensive period of consultation with the community. The approved plans will set the parameters for future redevelopment, which will provide places to play, work, eat, shop and live in Stretford town centre. This is as part of the wider Stretford Masterplan and the Area Action Plan (AAP). There are further proposals to provide up to 800 homes around Stretford Mall, St Matthews Church and Lacy Street car park, which will include affordable housing. The plans centre around creating people-friendly spaces and new pedestrian routes into and around the town centre, to enhance the flow of footfall around the area. More green meeting areas will be created with public squares and open spaces, including a green biodiversity corridor and Central Park. Also included is a blueprint for an improved Bridgewater Canal waterside experience.The outline planning approval will be followed by a series of reserved matters applications for each stage of development.The first will be for the detailed King Street proposals, which is expected to be submitted shortly. It includes proposals for the historic King Street to be reinstated to provide a thriving high street. Improved transport links, pedestrianised streets, more greenery and open spaces, and a reconfigured town centre, are also included.A new covered market hall is also planned, which will create a home for retailers and eateries, bar areas and outdoor seating to boost the evening economy. This will spill out into a new south-facing community space, which will feature a covered shopping area aimed at independent businesses locally.The design team includes architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Exterior Architecture, Avison Young and Civic Engineers.