The multi-million pound transformation of Stretford town centre aimed at boosting businesses and creating a 'thriving high street environment' has been given the go-ahead. Plans to redevelop King Street have been approved following consultation with local residents, stakeholders and businesses.
Trafford council and joint-venture partner and property company Bruntwood have been given the thumbs up for the first phase of the King Street scheme as part of the wider Stretford Masterplan. The planning application was submitted in March with the aim of reviving the 'historic beating heart of Stretford', pedestrianised streets, more greenery and open spaces, as well as a reconfigured town centre.
The development will also create a home for retailers, eateries and bars 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, boosting collaboration and community across Stretford.
The plans also include significant investment to create a new King Street Square that will provide outdoor seating areas, and spaces for market stalls and to host events. It will also see the transformation of the existing multi-storey car park, making it more secure and easier to access and navigate through. It will also be made safer for the public with improved lighting.
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Trafford council leader Coun Andrew Western 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 injecting a surge of businesses into the community to boost the local ecosystem.”
The development will also see a quiet service street adjacent to the mall repurposed to create the new ‘Little King Street’. This new street will create a safe and welcoming place for activities to spill into and become a destination for a variety of food and beverage offerings. Preparatory works for the transformation of King Street have begun, with development works set to start in early 2023, with completion set for 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." Working in partnership, Bruntwood and Trafford council have made a multi-million-pound commitment to transform Stretford town centre.
Meanwhile, plans for up to 800 new homes, substantial new green public open space, and a new canal-side neighbourhood are due to be submitted later this year. The King Street plans are one of the projects to receive funding from the Government’s £830million 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.
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