£2m Stretford Mall redevelopment commences
Work has started on a £2m redevelopment of Stretford Mall, to create a more vibrant shopping environment and attract more retailers to the area.
Demolition works are under way to remove a section of the mall and create a modern new entrance facing Chester Road.
Stretford Mall’s managers say the refurbishment will consolidate the retail space inside the mall to create a brighter, more modern and attractive atmosphere for shoppers and businesses.
Vacant units are being removed, including the former market hall which has been empty since traders were relocated last year – mainly to larger units inside the main mall. The market hall occupied 49,000 square feet at the 12-acre Stretford Mall site.
The new entrance will provide direct and inclusive access to the main square at the centre of the mall via a pedestrian walkway from Chester Road.
There will also be a space for community artwork to be displayed, along with a living green wall which will act as a screen to surround the service yard.
Award-winning Salford-based contractors Connell Brothers are carrying out the project which will see more than 100 people work on it over the next five months.
Gareth Wilkins, centre manager, thanked shoppers and tenants for their patience during the works: “This is the early days of the programme and the scope has now widened to include the former O’Brien’s public house,” he said.
Work on the mall is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.
Stretford Mall’s owners, Lunar Stretford SARL, are exploring potential opportunities to redevelop the land where the former market hall currently stands, but no decisions have yet been made.
Mr Wilkins said: “Conversations continue with third parties about the future of the land. We will announce, in due course, our intentions for the land to be released in the demolition process.”
He added: “This is a very exciting time for Stretford Mall and for our tenants who have demonstrated confidence in the scheme by renewing their leases and helping to secure local employment.”
The redevelopment is aimed at increasing retailer confidence by allowing void areas to be removed and consolidating retailers into a more vibrant main mall area, said Mr Wilkins.
