It’s been confirmed that Trafford Council and developers Bruntwood have been given the green light to commence the “ambitious” town centre regeneration project in Stretford.
After the multi-million pound outline planning application was submitted at the end of 2021, following what was said to have been an “extensive period” of consultation with the local community, these approved plans are intended to set the parameters for future redevelopment, Trafford Council says.
New places to play, work, eat, shop, and live are to provided in Stretford town centre as part of the wider Stretford Masterplan and the Area Action Plan (AAP).
According to the Council and Bruntwood, there are also further proposals to provide up to 800 homes around Stretford Mall, St Matthews Church, and Lacy Street car park – which will include affordable housing and bring much-needed new homes to the area.
Sustainability and the high street regeneration is said to be at the heart of the masterplan.
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The plans centre around creating people-friendly spaces and new pedestrian routes into and around the town centre with the intention of “enhancing the flow of footfall around the area”, and creating more green meeting areas with public squares and open spaces, including a green biodiversity corridor and ‘Central Park’ at the heart of the town centre, through to a much-improved Bridgewater Canal waterside experience.
The green light has been given to commence the “ambitious” town centre regeneration project in Stretford / Credit: Bruntwood & Trafford Council
A new covered market hall is also planned.
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With the aim of boosting the local evening economy, according to Trafford Council and Bruntwood, the new market hall will create a home for retailers, eateries, and bars, with outdoor seating spilling out into a new south-facing community space, which will feature a covered shopping area.
Speaking on the approval of the plans, Cllr Andrew Western – Leader of Trafford Council – said: “The planning approval is a huge milestone for Trafford Council as we can now start work to redevelop the town centre for the whole community to enjoy.
“The Stretford Masterplan is a huge moment in our long-term collaborative partnership, and it’s a pleasure to work towards a shared vision and goals with Bruntwood and the local community who were involved every step of the way.
“These exciting plans will significantly improve connectivity, create valuable green and open spaces, and special places for people to gather and interact, [and] with the high street at the centre of the plans, the masterplan will also help attract local independent businesses and exciting retail and hospitality brands, while hugely enhancing the lives of residents and visitors. We are very proud to be giving this incredible scheme the green light.”
Sustainability and the high street regeneration is said to be at the heart of the masterplan / Credit: Bruntwood & Trafford Council
Bruntwood is known for having a track record in town centre regenerations.
The company says its purpose of “creating thriving cities” recognises the need for continuous investment in the town centres that surround them to help each other succeed, and the focus of its work around reviving town centres is ensuring “social, economic, and environmental sustainability”, and creating a space that is “dynamic, inspirational, and futureproof.”
The aim of these reinvigorated town centres, according to Bruntwood, is to evolve collaboration between residents and businesses to create “inclusive and social hubs that add vibrancy to the whole community.”
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We're pleased to announce, in partnership with @TraffordCouncil, that planning approval for the transformation masterplan for Stretford Mall & Town centre has been given the green light.The project is set to transform the area into a greener, healthier & more #sustainable area. pic.twitter.com/2FFuMXY5P2
Andrea George – Town Centre and Consumer Brands Director at Bruntwood – added: “Undertaking such an extensive consultation period with the local community allowed us to create a masterplan that provides for the people of Stretford and its surrounding areas, so we are very pleased that it has been given approval allowing us to start the process of breathing new life into the town centre.
“Through these plans, the high street will become the beating heart of the town and create a dynamic and entrepreneurial district that promotes collaboration and community.
“It’s fantastic to have achieved this milestone.
“We can now move ahead with our plans and start delivering a positive evolution of Stretford for its people.”
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Emily Sergeant -
14th March 2022 
