A TEN week consultation period on ambitious plans to revitalise Stretford - the Masterplan for the area - is underway.

Some of the proposals have provoked strong feelings for and against the plans.

That is particularly the case with a central feature of the blueprint, the University Academy (UA92) proposal backed by Manchester United’s Class of 92, with a student village in Stretford.

The proposed main campus is the Kellogg’s site in Talbot Road, while the Lacy Street car park will be the site for student accommodation with 1,700 beds.

Messenger caught up with council leader Sean Anstee to put him on the spot about the plan, which he believes will provide a major boost to the area.

Sum up the main elements and components of the Masterplan and when would it be completed?

This is a game changing, once in a generation opportunity that will see significant investment into Stretford and Old Trafford.  We are bringing forward proposals that are viable and can be delivered.  Following this consultation the final plan will be agreed in January 2018, from which delivery will commence.  It will not be complete until 2028 but there is to be significant progress in earlier years. 

The key highlights include:

· A new publicly owned and run leisure centre on the Kellogg’s site for Stretford, meaning new centres are proposed in Altrincham and Stretford.

· A campus located in Old Trafford to house UA92.

· Strong links with Lancashire County Cricket Club and Manchester United improving the public realm.

· A hotel and new sports facilities alongside the campus.

· High-quality, well designed campus living for students in Stretford, helping to regenerate the town and bring the canalside and Essoldo back into use.  Existing businesses will benefit from higher footfall.

· Significant investment in Turn Moss with a commitment already made around accessible community provision to support existing users.

· Enhanced public realm works to complement those nearly completed, including improved cycle and walking infrastructure.

· Potential to relocate the library even closer to the town centre and the improvement of Edge Lane.

What impact do you think it would have on the area and how would it benefit ordinary residents?

As above, the benefits described are not just designed for new residents to Stretford, but will have a profoundly positive impact on the existing fantastic community in Stretford.  We want to use the consultation to ensure that we get this once in a generation opportunity right for everybody.

How many jobs would be created?

During construction, there will be 2,821 construction jobs created during the period and the scheme once implemented will support over 800 direct and indirect jobs.  We will build on our existing work to match local people to employment and plan to ensure our population has the right skills to benefit from these opportunities.

Do you understand residents’ concerns about aspects of the Masterplan, particularly regarding the student accommodation building and the influx of students?

What would you say to reassure them and to convince them that they will benefit from the changes?

The Council is already considering as part of this masterplan how it can regulate the housing market in Stretford both through an Article 4 planning directive which will mean permission is required to change the occupancy status of an existing property alongside adopting a good landlord scheme.  Our plans are for high-quality student living in the town centre so that it can profit from the benefits students can bring. 

In Hulme, the MMU campus has helped bring new impetus to the town centre and improved the public realm immensely.  We are aiming for high-quality accommodation, and our partners at Lancaster University win awards for this.  We are also engaging with GMP, the Fire & Rescue Service and local health services to prepare for additional people.  

How is the £26m boost to the local economy we have heard about calculated?

The council commissioned an independent Economic Impact Assessment study to give an indication of the potential effect on the Trafford economy.

The analysis done shows that together the UA92 Campus and Student Campus have the potential to generate over 800 jobs for Trafford. The plans also have the potential to deliver an annual Gross Value Added (GVA) of between £21m and £26m. This boost to the economy will come directly from UA92, our other regeneration proposals, and through additional spending in the Stretford area by staff, students, and new residents.

The figures are reached on a review of evidence from similar developments elsewhere.

The analysis also estimates that 2,821construction jobs will be supported through the construction phase, which is expected to involve investment of over £175m in Trafford’s economy.

What is your message to people about the importance of them taking part in this consultation?

Come and get involved, we genuinely want your help to shape what is potentially one of the most exciting projects ever undertaken in here Trafford – come and be part of it.

Consultation details:

The first public engagement session, at Stretford Public Hall on November 2, is now fully booked.

A further event will take place at Stretford Public Hall on Thursday, December 7, 7.30 - 9.30pm. This session is open to anyone from the local community. However, as places are limited the council has restricted registration to two tickets per person, and tickets will not be allocated to people who attended the November 2 event.

You can book at www.trafford.gov.uk/ StretfordMasterplan or visit www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for 'Stretford Masterplan'.

You can also call 0161 912 1173.

There will be other consultation events around Stretford until the consultation period ends on 19th December.

More details will be shared via the council website and in the local media.