Part of struggling mall set to be knocked down
PART of struggling Stretford Mall – which is half empty – has been earmarked for demolition.
Its owners hope it will help ‘improve the attractiveness of the centre and reverse the decline it has suffered over recent years.’
A planning application has been submitted to Trafford council by Planning Works on behalf of M&M Asset Management, which has owned the mall since 2014.
The mall went into receivership in March 2010, and according to the support statement submitted with the application, ‘during this period the mall suffered from under-investment and as a consequence both customer and tenant loyalty were severely tested.’
The mall saw a number of bigname brands close their shops there, including Wilkinson’s, TJ Hughes, Vodafone, B&M and Argos.
Between 2008 and 2016 the annual footfall at the site almost halved, from 6.1m to 3m.
Across the mall as a whole 48 per cent of shop units are vacant.
More recently an Aldi and a Costa Coffee have opened on the western side of the centre, which have seen success, but the Chester Street Mall area to the southern end has continued to struggle – and all its shop units are currently vacant.
M&M wishes to demolish this part of the mall, creating a site which can then be redeveloped.
According to the support statement this will ‘increase retailer confidence as the void areas will be removed leaving a more vibrant mall.’
Stretford Mall centre manager Gareth Wilkins said: “Having recently let space to national operators such as PureGym, JD and Select – as well as upsizing Shoezone and Heron – the proposed demolition will enable us to further explore opportunities more akin to the demands of retailers and the local community.
“As part of this exciting development, I’m delighted that a significant number of market traders will be relocating to new units in the centre and they will be opening over the next few weeks at various intervals.”
Local councillor Steve Adshead has also thrown his support behind the scheme, saying it is a ‘step in the right direction towards a new and revitalised Stretford.’
He added: “Together with big changes in the public realm areas this is an exciting time for Stretford.”