PROPOSALS to breathe new life into Stretford have been given the thumbs up by council chiefs - and now they want to hear residents' views about them.

The leader of the council, Sean Anstee, described the blueprint as 'once in a generation plans' to regenerate and revitalise Stretford.

The town hall's powerful Executive committee approved the start of consultation on the ‘refreshed masterplan’ on Monday.

At the centre of its ambitious Masterplan is the University Academy (UA92) proposal backed by Manchester United's Class of 92, which was unveiled a fortnight ago.

Council chiefs say the UA92 higher education facility - in partnership with Lancaster University - will create jobs, bring people into the town centre and boost the local economy by about £26 million per year.

The proposed main campus is the Kellogg's site on Talbot Road, which is to be acquired by the council at a cost of £12 million.

The campus will include a new leisure centre operated by Trafford Leisure. There will also be investment in green space at Turn Moss, Stretford, with a new artificial pitch, a café and new playing fields.

The Lacy Street car park in Stretford has been identified as a suitable site for purpose-built campus accommodation. It is planned to open up the frontage onto the Bridgewater Canal and create a new public area.

The Essoldo building, in Chester Road - which has been vacant for many years - would be brought back into community use.

Starting on October 10, the council will launch a 10-week engagement and consultation period on the plans called 'Your Say On Stretford'.

Residents will be invited to help shape the plans through drop-in sessions for the public, and other stakeholder events, an online survey and via social media.

Letters will be going out to residents of Longford, Gorse Hill and Stretford at the start of the consultation period to ensure that every household is aware of the plans.

Details of all events and ways to feedback will be available from October 10 at www.trafford.gov.uk/stretfordmasterplan.

The ‘Masterplan’ document will be on display for people to view and comment on at Stretford Mall, Stretford Library, Stretford Leisure Centre and Trafford Town Hall from October 16.

The council will consider all comments and use them to inform any changes before delivering the Masterplan back to the Executive for final approval in January 2018.

Leader of the council, Cllr Sean Anstee said: "This is a once in a generation game-changing opportunity that will have a positive impact on regenerating Stretford and Old Trafford.

"It will also provide our young people with the best possible start in life – they will have access to an exciting new model of university which brings together the best of academia, business and sport.

"We're pleased the conversations are starting and are keen to hear as many views as possible on these proposals, so encourage people to take part in the consultation and engagement process."