United tram-stop in ‘civic quarter’ plan
HUNDREDS OF HOMES AND RETAIL PARK UPGRADE ALSO PART OF COUNCIL’S MULTI-MILLION POUND VISION
A PEDESTRIANISED route to Old Trafford – and a tram stop outside United’s ground – are planned as part of the area’s biggest revamp in a generation.
Hundreds of new homes, a ‘civic plaza’ and an upgraded White City retail park are also proposed as part of Trafford council’s multi-million pound vision.
The plan, due to be put out to consultation, would see a vast swathe of Stretford and Old Trafford transformed into a new ‘civic quarter.’
It includes proposals for a new pedestrianised ‘processional route’ connecting the Old Trafford tram stop with United along Warwick Road, a move that could also see Brian Statham Way closed to traffic.
An additional tram stop outside United’s stadium is also proposed and would form part of the new Trafford Park line to the Trafford Centre, which is already in development.
A huge new plaza would link Lancashire County Cricket Club with the town hall, forming what the council calls a new ‘civic square’ that could be used on match and event days for public celebrations.
In addition, Talbot Road would be completely changed to feature a cycle lane and shared surfaces for vehicles. A running track could also be incorporated into the surrounding upgrade to public space. The council also hopes to add a new leisure centre at Great Stone Road, opening up some of LCCC’s pitches to the public, while encouraging ‘significant’ amounts of new housing on the old B&Q site. Meanwhile, work for Gary Neville’s UA92 sports university, to be housed in the former Kellogg’s building, began this week with students expected to arrive next September. There is also potential for 20-storey developments at the junction of White City Way and the next to UA92 building. And the plan could also see a section of White City retail park on Chester Road redeveloped to include a pedestrianised route from Talbot Road to the shopping centre and a reconfigured car park. The radical plans - spearheaded by the council and property giant Bruntwood - split the new ‘civic quarter’ into four areas. The ‘town hall quarter’ includes a ribbon of new public realm improvements towards Warwick, Talbot and Chester Roads. Meanwhile, the ‘leisure quarter’ would incorporate the new sports space and public plaza around LCCC.
UA92 would form part of a new ‘campus quarter’ and White City would anchor a new ‘commercial quarter.’
The proposals are due to go before the council’s executive next week, before going out to public consultation, expected to start later this month.
Previously, council boss Andrew Western described the scheme as a ‘fantastic’ opportunity that could transform the space.
He said: “The plan is to create a place for everyone who lives, works and visits the area.”
Meanwhile, Daniel Gidney, Lancashire Cricket Club chief executive, said the plans were a ‘grand vision’ that will turn the area into a vibrant destination.
Bruntwood’s regional director Andrew Cooke said the ‘vision’ will transform the most busiest part of Trafford into a ‘vibrant and successful community.’