Masterplan step closer after £17.6m windfall
A MASSIVE new funding boost has brought huge plans for a town centre one step closer.
Trafford council chiefs are celebrating an exciting £17.6m windfall to regenerate and transform Stretford town centre.
The council applied for the funding and Stretford was chosen as one of only four areas of the north west to receive the full allocation from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s £830m Future High Streets Fund.
The new funding means the authority can push forward with its plans to ‘totally transform the town’ as part of the Stretford Masterplan.
The huge plans for the area include a new, expanded high street, with enhanced landscaping and better transport links, providing a focal point for the community.
The proposals focus specifically on improvements to public spaces and pedestrian and cycle movements, as well as securing a longterm solution for the Essoldo cinema, and developing Stretford Mall and Lacy Street.
This could open up access to the Bridgewater Canal and the opportunity for new bars, restaurants, and affordable homes in the area.
The government says the funding is designed to ‘support areas to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic and help transform underused town centres into vibrant places to live, work, visit and shop’.
Stretford was selected for the full allocation by the government alongside Stockport, Winsford and Birkenhead. Areas including Wigan, Crewe, Rochdale, Oldham, Carlisle and New Ferry also
received funding. Coun Andrew Western, leader of Trafford council, said: “This is absolutely amazing news for Stretford and a great end to a terrible year. We have already made massive improvements to Stretford and this will enable us to totally transform the area for residents and business alike.”
The government’s Minister for High Streets, Kelly Tolhurst, said: “Towns across the north west have a proud history of industry and commerce, and we are supporting them to preserve this heritage for future generations.
“In Stockport, £14.5m will support plans to redevelop Mersey Square and repurpose empty retail units, supporting local businesses and jobs. And in Stretford, £17.6m will help revitalise the high street with landscaping and an improved retail offer.”