Mancunians are being asked for their say on an ambitious multi-million pound masterplan to transform Stretford Mall and the surrounding area.
The masterplan – which is being put forward by the joint venture between Bruntwood Works and Trafford Council – will provide places to play, work, shop and live in Stretford town centre, as part of the wider Stretford Masterplan and the Area Action Plan (AAP).
The initial proposals are now being shared following feedback and responses collated over “an extensive 15-month public consultation” with the local community.
The proposed transformation – which covers more than 27 acres and comprises five neighbourhoods (Victoria, St Ann’s, Lacy Street, Stretford Centre and Stretford House) – includes plans for a phased redevelopment of Stretford Mall, the historic King Street to be reinstated to provide a thriving high street, as well as improved transport links, pedestrianised streets, more greenery and open spaces, and a reconfigured town centre with better connections to the Bridgewater canal.
It also includes plans to repurpose the Lacy Street area, which will unlock the connection between the town centre and the canal – an important green infrastructure and recreational route.
More green meeting areas will be created with public squares and open spaces, with proposals for a green biodiversity corridor including a Library Square and a ‘Central Park’ at the heart of the town centre.
Plans will also create improved access to the Bridgewater canal.
There are also further plans to provide up to 800 varied residential units around Stretford Mall and St Matthew’s Church, which will include affordable housing.
Bruntwood Works / Trafford Council
Speaking on the unveiling of the masterplan, Cllr Andrew Western – Leader of Trafford Council – said: “I am hugely excited by the wide-ranging regeneration plans for Stretford and I know local residents also share that excitement.
“Trafford Council has placed regeneration at the heart of our corporate priorities.
Stretford has enormous potential, making it one of the most exciting towns in the region [and] by sharing ideas and plans with the local community, we’ve ensured residents are at the centre of proposals for its future.
“The Stretford Masterplan is the culmination of a long-term collaborative partnership, and it’s a pleasure to work towards a shared vision and goals with Bruntwood Works and the local community. The proposals will significantly improve connectivity, create valuable green and open spaces, and hubs for people to gather and interact, [while also helping to] attract local independent businesses and exciting retail and hospitality brands [and] enhance the lives of local residents and visitors.”
Andrea George – Town Centre & Consumer Brands Director at Bruntwood Works – said: “One key theme to emerge from the public’s feedback is the importance of bringing back a vibrant high street, which will be the beating heart of the town.
“We plan to do this by reinstating King Street and delivering the right blend of retail, leisure, workspace and mixed use space to meet the needs of the community, where local independents can be neighbours with exciting brands.
“Green and open spaces that can safely bring people together are at the centre of our proposals.
“The plan will deliver a mix of leafy public squares and parks, including Library Square and Central Park, and change traffic flows around the town to make it easier and safer to get around town on foot and by bicycle, while connecting the town centre with the canal waterfront.
“We look forward to working in partnership with local residents, businesses and Trafford Council to help reinvigorate Stretford town centre, and build upon its heritage so it works better for the future.”
Bruntwood Works / Trafford CouncilBruntwood Works / Trafford Council
The masterplan released today follows three rounds of public consultation in 2020, with thousands of local residents taking part.
Residents are now able to provide feedback on the plans via the Stretford Mall Public Consultation website here, and the planning application for the Stretford Mall and Lacy Street masterplan – the first schemes to be developed to turn the plan into reality – is due to be submitted in February 2021.
The consultation window for resident feedback is open until 5th February 2021.
Trending
Alejandro Garnacho set for Premier League switch as Manchester United shuffle attacking lineup
Danny Jones
Young Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho looks set to make a switch to another Premier League team as he has reportedly already reached an agreement regarding personal terms with his next club: Chelsea.
The promising winger, who graduated from Man United’s academy setup and has quickly made an impact even in just a short time in the first team, is now believed to be London-bound very soon, with Chelsea now “close” to completing a deal for the 21-year-old.
While there are no doubts surrounding his talent and potential, it is said the rift between him and the United head coach comes down to personality, character and conduct, with the latter not shying away from sharing grievances publicly.
🚨 Chelsea have stepped up talks with Manchester United over deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho. Clubs in touch on topic for some time & now advancing amid Benjamin Sesko joining #MUFC. 21yo winger wants #CFC or nothing + expects move to happen @TheAthleticFChttps://t.co/vdc1dtnA0p
According to The Athletic, it now looks as though after having agitated for a move, Garnacho has got his wish and is set for the capital, in a move which could see him become the 51st senior player to sign for the Blues under Todd Boehly’s ownership.
It is, quite frankly, a staggering number – especially given the fact that he only purchased the club back in May of 2022.
Most notably in Garnacho‘s case, too, it also raises questions around where in the Chelsea squad he will fit and how much regular first-team football (a guaranteed starting spot rumoured to be a flashpoint with Amorim) he will be able to enjoy should the deal go ahead.
For instance, besides the plethora of other attacking players at Enzo Maresca’s disposal, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says that the west Londoners are also pursuing PSG’s Xavi Simons.
Nevertheless, the Italian journalist claims that “every detail of personal terms with Chelsea” has now been agreed, with the Argentine prospect now fully set on a move to Stamford Bridge.
You can see what other Manchester United transfer updates he gave in his latest video.
Romano goes on to state that the deal is effectively done as far as the player side of things is concerned, adding that Garnacho is now only interested in Chelsea since and has been since July.
Although negotiations are yet to begin with Man United, it looks likely that they will push to get a transfer approved quickly as they look to cover the costs of the other business, having already brought in a number of players.
Chester Zoo confirms sex of viral snow leopard cub after its first vet health check
Emily Sergeant
It’s the news we’ve all been for… Chester Zoo has confirmed the sex of its viral snow leopard cub after its first vet health check.
In case you need bringing up to speed, the new baby arrived to first-time parents Nubra and Yashin, who are both three-years-old, earlier this summer on 10 June, and since then, keepers at Chester Zoo said mum and cub had mostly spent their time quietly tucked away in a cosy den, away from the eyes of the onlooking public.
But just last week, it was time for the little one to see what the outside world is all about, and the zoo’s cameras captured it venturing outside for the very first time.
Back then though, we were still awaiting confirmation of the cub’s sex.
Now, Chester Zoo has confirmed that the adorable ball of fluff was taken to the zoo’s specialist vets and carnivore keepers this week to be examined, weighed, vaccinated, and most importantly, ‘sexed’ – and finally, it has been revealed as a female.
Keepers say the playful new arrival is now eight weeks old and growing in strength and confidence every day, with mum Nubra watching over closely.
“At eight weeks old, the cub has undergone the first of two all-important health checks,” explained Mark Brayshaw, who is the Head of Mammals at Chester Zoo.
Chester Zoo has confirmed the sex of its viral snow leopard cub after its first vet health check / Credit: Chester Zoo
“These quick examinations by the zoo’s vets are really important for us to make sure the cub is healthy and in good physical condition.
“We recorded the cub’s weight, checked its heartbeat, eyes, and teeth before swiftly returning the cub to mum Nubra, [and] we’re very happy to report that the cub was given a clean bill of health and we can finally reveal that it is indeed a female.
“Now comes one of the toughest tasks of all – choosing a name worthy of such a special arrival.”
Snow leopards are classed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and it’s believed there are as few as 4,000 now remaining in the wild.
Stay tuned to find out the little one’s name, expected to be revealed very soon.
In fact, you might as well throw in your own suggestion – we’ve already offered ours…
How about Medo? 🥹
It means ‘little flower’ in Tibetan, the same as her mother’s tongue. 🌼
Emily Sergeant -
15th January 2021 
