Trafford Council has thanked residents for their views on plans to transform the area around the Town Hall and surrounding buildings into a new ‘Civic Quarter.’
The Council received 111 detailed responses to the Civic Quarter Masterplan consultation either via an online survey or standalone submissions. Two successful consultation events were held with residents at Trafford Town Hall and Lancashire Cricket Club.
The Civic Quarter Masterplan covers a 120 acre site taking in the Town Hall, Lancashire Cricket Club, the former Kellogg’s site including the University Academy 92 (UA 92) campus, stretching up to the A56/Chester Road and White City retail park.
The businesses and residents consultation period finished on 21st December, 2018 and responses received were broadly positive although there were concerns regarding the potential impact on traffic, car parking and neighbourhood management issues.
Earlier this month, the Council’s Executive discussed proposals to regenerate the area to create a vibrant neighbourhood and gave the go ahead to consult on the plans. The proposals include building a new leisure centre; an improved public realm, a new University campus, opportunities for new homes and offices and improved cycle and pedestrian routes. They also include the possible development of a new public piazza which could lie between the Town Hall, the UA92 site and Lancashire Cricket Club and provide an inspirational focal point for celebrations and events throughout the year. A ‘processional route’ has also been proposed which could amplify the connection between two world-class sporting venues - Lancashire Cricket Club and Manchester United, fused by Trafford Town Hall.
Cllr James Wright, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Investment, Regeneration and Strategic Planning, said:
I would like to thank all the residents who took part in the consultation process surrounding the Civic Quarter Masterplan. We received various comments about the plans and will be taking on board everything that has been said with regard to the plans, and considering any changes.
We will carry out one final consultation on the amended Masterplan before it goes to the Council’s Executive Committee.
The plans, being led by the Council along with partners Bruntwood and Lancashire Cricket Club, mark a significant progression in the delivery of the refreshed Stretford Masterplan, which includes other elements in and around Stretford town centre.
Posted on Thursday 10th January 2019