In Manchester, England, the Bruntwood and Trafford Council gave given the green light to commence the ambitious transformation of Stretford’s King Street. It’s the first phase of the wider Stretford Masterplan for revitalization.
Plans by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBStudios) with Studio Mutt were submitted in March of 2022, following an extensive period of consultation with the local community to understand how the proposed development could reshape the future town centre to best serve its residents.
The historic beating heart of Stretford is to be revived to provide a thriving high street, as well as pedestrianized streets, more greenery and open spaces, as well as a reconfigured town center.
The redevelopment will also create a home for retailers, eateries and bars to boost the local evening economy, spilling out into a new south-facing community space, which will feature a covered shopping area aimed at local independent businesses, boosting collaboration and community across Stretford.
The plans also include significant investment to create a new King Street Square that will provide outdoor seating areas, and spaces for market stalls and to host events.
It will also see a significant transformation of the existing multi-story park lot, making it more secure and easier to access and navigate through. It will also be made safer for the public with improved lighting.
The development will also see a quiet service street adjacent to the mall repurposed to create the new ‘Little King Street’. This new street will create a safe and welcoming place for activities to spill into, and become a destination for a variety of food and beverage offerings.
Preparatory works for the transformation of King Street have begun, with development works set to commence in early 2023, with completion set for Summer 2024.
The planning approval for King Street follows Bruntwood and Trafford Council receiving outline planning approval for the Stretford town center transformation masterplan in March.
Andrea George, town centre and consumer brands director at Bruntwood, said “Transforming the heart of Stretford and creating a community hub that promotes collaboration is our main driving focus for the re-development of King Street. The high street is an integral part of any town and we want to revitalise King Street to give the people of Stretford a town centre that provides for their needs while also creating a dynamic and inspiring environment. Now we have the green light we can start the transformation process and begin working with national, regional and independent operators and retailers to build a new community in Stretford.”
“This first phase of development cements Bruntwood’s commitment to creating thriving towns. We are very excited to be kickstarting development soon and look forward to completion in summer 2024,” she added.
Cllr Andrew Western, Leader of Trafford Council, said “This first phase of development is another milestone in the redevelopment of Stretford for the local community. It’s brilliant to work closely with Bruntwood towards a shared goal, and equally so to have the community involved in the decision making process.”
“The extensive development of King Street and the wider Stretford area will significantly increase connectivity by introducing green and open spaces where people can come together and interact. With King Street playing a large role in the plans, the wider masterplan will enhance the quality of life for Stretford residents while injecting a surge of businesses into the community to boost the local ecosystem,” he continued.
Plans for up to 800 new homes, substantial new green public open space, and a new canal side neighborhood are due to be submitted later this year.
The King Street plans are one of the projects to receive funding from the Government’s £830m Future High Streets Fund (FHSF). The fund, launched by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in December 2018, is designed to support and fund local areas’ plans to make their high streets and town centres fit for the future.
Bruntwood, along with Trafford Council, has a strong track record of town center regeneration. Its purpose of “creating thriving cities” recognizes the need for continuous investment in the town centers that surround them to help each other succeed. The focus of Bruntwood’s work around reviving town centers is ensuring social, economic and environmental sustainability and creating a space that is dynamic, inspirational and futureproof.
Last year, Trafford Council received £17.6 million funding to regenerate and transform Stretford town center – one of only four areas of the North West to receive the full allocation.
The design team includes architects FCBStudios in collaboration with Studio Mutt, Exterior Architecture, DW Consultants, Hydrock, Avison Young and Civic Engineers.
Renderings courtesy of FCBStudios.