Trafford Council's 'Civic Quarter' vision

Trafford Council’s vision is to create a ‘Civic Quarter’ which will be the ‘heart’ of Trafford – and they’d like to know what you think

Residents are being invited to help shape an ambitious proposal which aims to transform the area around the Town Hall and surrounding buildings into a new ‘Civic Quarter’ that will become a shared public space for everyone.

The Civic Quarter project - which covers a 120 acre site taking in the Town Hall, Lancashire Cricket Club, the intended University Academy 92 (UA92), and stretching up to the A56/Chester Road - is being led by the Council along with partners Bruntwood and Lancashire Cricket Club. The strategic vision is being created with consultancy team Planit-IE, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and GVA HOW Planning.

This proposal marks a significant progression in the delivery of the Refreshed Stretford Masterplan, which includes other elements in and around Stretford Town Centre, and with this latest development, now also incorporates the Town Hall end of Stretford/Old Trafford.

The proposals are still in their early stages, but at this point all partners involved in the plans are interested in people’s views on how this public space could work. They are specifically keen to know: ‘What would you like to see in the Civic Quarter? What ideas do you have for potentially changing the way Talbot Road is used by pedestrians, cyclists and cars? Do you want this to be a more green and open space? How do you use the area at the moment, if at all? What would encourage you to spend more time here?’ - along with any general ideas for how best to utilise the space for the local community.  

An initial drop-in session, which will be attended by key partners and architects/landscape architects involved in the project, and which will give people the opportunity to ask any questions, share thoughts and leave comments, is being held at the Town Hall on Tuesday 14 August between 2pm and 8pm. The Council are keen to stress that this is not a formal consultation - this will be held at a later date once plans have been developed further. This is however a chance to influence plans in their early stages.

Part of the Civic Quarter plan includes the development of a new public piazza or ‘festival square’ - which could lie between the Town Hall, the UA92 site and Lancashire Cricket Club and could provide an inspirational focal point for celebrations and events throughout the year.

A redefined ‘processional route’ could amplify the connection between two world-class sporting venues - Lancashire Cricket Club and Manchester United, fused by Trafford Town Hall.

Leader of Trafford Council, Andrew Western, said: “The establishment of a Civic Quarter presents a fantastic opportunity to further develop local amenities, improve community use of the area and completely transform our public spaces. It aims to create a fantastic place for those who live and work here, so please take the time to come and tell us what you want: your views are vital in shaping this amazing project.”

Andrew Cooke, Bruntwood Regional Director, said: “We are confident that this vision will not only help transform the area, but also go a long way towards creating a more vibrant and successful community, providing new amenity and a greater sense of place for Trafford. Residents and workers will have a major part to play in helping us to shape these proposals and we are excited about progressing our plans.”

Daniel Gidney, Lancashire Cricket Club Chief Executive, said: “Lancashire Cricket Club is delighted to be a key partner in the emerging Trafford Civic Quarter Masterplan, alongside Trafford Council, UA92 and Bruntwood.

“With the support of Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, having just completed the construction of a 150-bedroom hotel and new Caffè Nero on site at Emirates Old Trafford, we are proud to continue to work with Trafford in being a catalyst for further urban regeneration and economic development in Old Trafford and Stretford, including the opportunity to develop, enhance and expand further the attractive and popular public realm adjacent to Trafford Town Hall.

“The grand vision of the Civic Quarter will transform the area into a vibrant destination, with sport, well-being and learning at its heart, and we are excited to be at the core of it.”

Managing Director for Planit-IE, Ed Lister, said: “A strong working partnership has been at the forefront of the design process, creating a platform from which to shape a very bright and exciting future for Old Trafford and Stretford. Pleasure and recreation is embedded within the emerging vision, with a view to encouraging walking and cycling, and creating a vibrant new place to live, work, study and play.”

Ernst ter Horst, of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, said: “We’re very proud and excited to be involved in the design for this regeneration framework, with its context of internationally renowned sports venues and the Borough’s historic Town Hall. We’re looking to capitalise on the opportunities of these existing facilities as an excellent basis to create a rejuvenated place for living and working in the new Trafford Civic Quarter.”

The public are invited to attend a drop-in session to find out more, talk to some of partners involved and provide feedback and comments.

Date: 14th August 2018. Time: 2pm-8pm.
Location: Trafford Town Hall reception.

Information boards will be left up along with an opportunity to provide comments until mid-September for those that can’t attend the drop-in session. For any queries please email: civicquartermasterplan@trafford.gov.uk.

Meanwhile, progress is continuing with the wider Stretford Masterplan and the Council will soon be sharing details of a future engagement event in September.

The plans for the Civic Quarter are being developed by a consultant team including GVA HOW Planning, Planit-IE, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and Curtins.

Posted on Thursday 2nd August 2018