Trafford Council's Executive backs large-scale regeneration plans

Trafford Council’s Executive has backed exciting plans by the authority to continue with the large-scale regeneration of Stretford and Old Trafford.

Members unanimously approved taking the draft Civic Quarter Area Action Plan (CQ AAP) to public consultation for a period of no less than six weeks.

The Committee also backed the principle of the Council using its compulsory purchase powers for the former B&Q site on Great Stone Road, if it cannot be acquired by negotiations, to help deliver the Plan.

The proposed Civic Quarter AAP 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 plans include building a new leisure centre; an improved public realm, continued development of a new University campus, 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.

The Council, in partnership with Bruntwood Works and Lancashire Cricket Club (LCC), appointed Feilden Clegg Bradley, Planit-ie and Avison Young to produce a Civic Quarter Masterplan for the area in 2018. The area is one of the most popular places in the borough and each year 2.5m people visit Old Trafford and half a million go to Lancashire Cricket Club.

Cllr James Wright, Trafford Council’s Executive member for Housing and Regeneration, said:

We are really excited about these recent developments - 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. The plans aims to create a fantastic place for those who live and work in Trafford. This exemplifies our priority of creating successful and thriving places in the Borough.

The people of Trafford are at the centre of these plans becoming a reality. We will consult with residents every step of the way as we continue the journey to creating a vibrant and amazing Civic Quarter for everyone in the borough to enjoy.”

Andrew Cooke, regional director for Bruntwood Works, said:

We are incredibly passionate about creating thriving towns and we’re thrilled to be at a stage where, together with Trafford Council, we’re consulting with local people to ensure their views and aspirations for the area are taken into account.

The plans being discussed for the Civil Quarter have the potential to kick start the much-needed regeneration of Stretford and Old Trafford, giving those who work and live in the area improved amenities and better transport links which, ultimately, helps to strengthen the local economy.”
Posted on Tuesday 28th January 2020