Digital impression of how the new Stretford Mall will look
The ambitious muti-million pound transformation of Stretford’s King Street - the first phase of the wider Stretford Masterplan – has been given the green light.
Councillors last night gave the go-ahead to the plans by Bruntwood and Trafford Council to provide a thriving high street, improved transport links, pedestrianised streets, more greenery and open spaces, and a new town centre.
The plans also include huge investment to create a new King Street Square that will provide outdoor seating areas, market stalls and spaces to host events, along with transforming the existing multi-storey car park to make it more secure.
The development will also create a home for retailers, eateries and bar areas to boost the local evening economy, spilling out into a new south-facing community space, which will feature a covered shopping area aimed at local independent businesses.
Widespread landscaping, tree-planting and leafy seating areas will improve air quality and biodiversity all while supporting wellbeing for residents and visitors.
The development will also see the creation of a street next to the mall - ‘Little King Street’ – which will create a safe and welcoming place for market hall activities and become a destination for a variety of food and drink outlets.
The original planning application was submitted in March 2022, following an extensive period of consultation with the local community to understand how the proposed development could reshape the future town centre to best serve residents.
The work is due to commence later this year and is set for completion in summer 2024. The planning approval for King Street follows Bruntwood and Trafford Council receiving outline planning approval for the Stretford town centre transformation masterplan in March.
Andrea George, town centre and consumer brands director at Bruntwood, said:
“Transforming the heart of Stretford and creating a community hub that promotes collaboration is our main driving focus for the re-development of King Street. The high street is an integral part of any town and we want to revitalise King Street to give the people of Stretford a town centre that provides for their needs while also creating a dynamic and inspiring environment. Now we have the green light we can start the transformation process and begin working with national, regional and independent operators and retailers to build a new Stretford business community.
“This first phase of development cements Bruntwood’s commitment to creating thriving towns. We are very excited to be kickstarting development soon and look forward to completion next summer.”
Cllr Andrew Western, Leader of Trafford Council, said:
“This first phase of development is another milestone in the redevelopment of Stretford for the local community. It’s brilliant to work closely with Bruntwood towards a shared goal, and equally so to have the community involved in the decision making process.
“The extensive development of King Street and the wider Stretford area will significantly increase connectivity by introducing green and open spaces where people can come together and interact. With King Street playing a large role in the plans, the wider masterplan will enhance the quality of life for Stretford residents while boosting the local economy with the opening of a number of new businesses.”
Working in partnership, Bruntwood and Trafford Council have made a multi-million-pound commitment to transform Stretford town centre. Following approval of the King Street proposals, exciting plans for up to 800 new homes, new green public open space, and a new canal side neighborhood are due to be submitted later this year.
Stretford has a growing number of unique independent business looking to make the town centre their permanent home. One of these vibrant eateries, popular pop-up restaurant, Stretford Canteen, has recently moved to the Chester Road side of Stretford Mall. The family-run Anglo-French inspired restaurant is just one of many businesses to benefit from the extensive development of King Street.
The King Street plans are one of the projects to receive funding from the Government’s £830m Future High Streets Fund (FHSF). The fund, launched by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in December 2018, is designed to support and fund local areas’ plans to make their high streets and town centres fit for the future. Last year, Trafford Council received £17.6m funding to regenerate and transform Stretford town centre - one of only four areas of the North West to receive the full allocation.
The design team includes architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios in collaboration with Studio Mutt, Exterior Architecture, DW Consultants, Hydrock, Avison Young and Civic Engineers.
Posted on Friday 11th November 2022