Next stage of King Street transformation put forward following Stretford consultation
Detailed plans for the transformation of Stretford’s King Street have been submitted, following lengthy community consultation.
Manchester property group Bruntwood and Trafford Council are behind the proposals, the first phase of the wider Stretford Masterplan.
Their vision includes reinstating the historic King Street as a vibrant high street, where existing businesses will be joined by new shops, cafes and bars, including independent and well known brands.
In a bid to boost the evening economy, the plans also proposed a new covered market hall which will house retailers and eateries, bar areas and outdoor seating.
The submission of the detailed planning application for King Street follows Bruntwood and Trafford Council receiving outline planning approval for the Stretford town centre transformation masterplan in March.
With an eye to sustainability and the future of the high street, the plans centre around creating people-friendly spaces and new pedestrian routes into and around the town centre, to enhance the flow of footfall around the area.
Widespread landscaping, tree planting and leafy seating areas will improve air quality and boost wellbeing for residents and visitors, providing spaces for the community to come together.
The plans also include significant investment to transform the existing multi-storey car park to make it light, convenient and secure, and to create a new King Street Square to provide outdoor seating areas, market stalls and spaces to host events.
There are also plans for up to 800 new homes, substantial new green public open space, and a new canalside neighbourhood.
Andrea George, town centre and consumer brands director at Bruntwood, said: “We’re proud to be moving forward with the ambitious plans to revitalise the King Street area, and to be one step closer to unveiling the vibrant new heart of Stretford.
“The engagement we’ve had from residents, visitors and the wider community on the vision for their future town centre has been overwhelming. A wealth of green spaces, a fresh and inspiring shopping area, and great cafes, restaurants, community facilities and play spaces were all really important features for King Street, and we’ve incorporated these into the plans.”
Cllr Andrew Western, leader of Trafford Council, said: “Trafford Council is committed to creating successful and thriving places and having pride in all of our town centres. The King Street development certainly meets this criteria and will completely transform Stretford town centre into a modern, vibrant and exciting place to be.”
He added: “We have engaged with the community every step of the way and have taken the public’s thoughts and ideas on board concerning exactly what they want. Stretford deserves to have a first class town centre containing great shops, cafes, green spaces and community areas and, working alongside Bruntwood, that is exactly what we plan to deliver.”
The King Street proposals 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 in the North West to receive the full allocation. The plans have been shaped following extensive community engagement with local residents, stakeholders and businesses in September for the future of King Street.
The design team includes architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios in collaboration with Studio Mutt, Exterior Architecture, Avison Young and Civic Engineers.
