The needs of residents and businesses are ‘baked into the whole proposal’, leaders say
CGI for the Wharfside development
CGI for the Wharfside development(Image: Trafford council)
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Ambitious plans have been set out for the regeneration of a ‘forgotten’ part of Trafford. Now, residents’ views are being sought.
Trafford council unveiled this month its plans for the Wharfside area. Bosses want to see ‘thriving’ new communities built there, with 15,000 new homes planned to be built over the coming decades. Some 48,000 new jobs could be created through the plans, with commercial space, eateries, hotels and offices also lined up.
At the heart of the development – and the catalyst for it – is the proposed new stadium for Manchester United football club. With 100,000 seats, the new home ground is expected to be the largest in the UK.
Trafford council is now set to launch a consultation on the scheme, asking local people and businesses for their views. The consultation will run from Tuesday, July 28, until Tuesday, September 22.
Deputy council leader and executive member for economy and regeneration Liz Patel said at a council meeting this week (Monday, July 20): “The document represents a once in a generation opportunity to shape this important corner of Trafford.
“The impact of the long term transformation will be felt far beyond boundaries. Wharfside has long been identified as an area of significant potential.
The Wharfside masterplan vision with United's new stadium(Image: Allies and Morrison)
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“The scale of that opportunity now has a catalyst in the proposed new Manchester United Stadium and the establishment of the Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation. Together these developments give us the opportunity to create a thriving new neighbourhood that will contribute to traffic's economy, culture, quality of life for decades to come.”
Neighbouring residents and Man Utd fans have spoken to Manchester Evening News in recent weeks to give their verdict. Reactions vary from sadness that the Red Devils are set to leave their historic home to hope that the plans could improve life for those living in this ‘forgotten’ corner of the borough.
A key concern raised by people with homes close to Old Trafford stadium was whether change would be delivered in a way that keeps the needs of existing residents at its heart. One woman said: “As soon as you have 15,000 homes that might include families, that's when you need a whole new level of infrastructure.
“You need parks and you need GP surgeries and you need schools and nurseries and things. What needs to happen is that the development needs to reflect the reality of how we live our lives and not how planners hope we live our lives.”
Similar concerns were raised by opposition councillors at last night’s meeting. Green councillor for Gorse Hill and Cornbrook Aaron Fradley said asked the executive ‘what assurances there would be’ that the needs of residents would be taken into account and not ‘superseded’ by the ‘interests of developers’.
Responding, Coun Patel said the needs of residents and businesses are ‘baked into the whole proposal’.
She added: “Trafford council has commissioned this piece of work exactly to get on the front foot in those discussions to offer that reassurance to residents, to offer that commitment to residents.”
Trafford Council’s executive member for economy and regeneration, Liz Patel
Trafford Council’s executive member for economy and regeneration, Liz Patel(Image: Trafford Council)
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As part of the consultation process, a number of information sessions are expected to be held:
Trafford Town Hall, Talbot Road, Stretford, on Wednesday, July 29, 4pm to 7pm.
Gorse Hill Studios, Cavendish Road, Stretford, on Wednesday, September 9, 4pm to 7pm.
Stretford Metros Sports and Social Club, Moss Road, Stretford, on Tuesday, September 15, 4pm to 7pm.
Consultation responses will be used to shape the final version of the Wharfside regeneration masterplan.