COUNCIL chiefs have approved a plan to breathe new life into Stretford town centre.

The Masterplan was rubber stamped at a recent meeting of Trafford’s executive and residents have had a say in shaping it.

A consultation took place between July and October last year and council chiefs modified the scheme after listening to people’s views.

The Masterplan includes turning Stretford Public Hall into a multi-purpose community centre, Stretford Library remaining in its current location and identifying vacant office units on Edge Lane that could be used as shops or leisure facilities.

The initiative also includes opening new food and drink outlets along the Bridgewater Canal and including existing shops and leisure outlets at the Barton Road/Kingsway junction within the Trafford borough boundary.

Helen Jones, Trafford’s Corporate Director for Economic Growth said::”It is clear from the public consultation that people are passionate about the future of Stretford town centre. The Masterplan will transform the town centre over the next 10 to 15 years into a vibrant and attractive area which people can be proud of and enjoy.”

The first meeting of the Friends of Stretford Public Hall was held in early January and was attended by around 50 people.

This was followed by the group’s first committee meeting.

Chairman Annoushka Deighton said: “We intend to take over the hall via a community asset transfer, which can mean several outcomes, but we are hoping that the council will give us a longterm lease of the Hall for no cost. We would be responsible for the running costs and maintenance of the grade II listed building. We hope to open the hall as a multipurpose, community led building.”

* The Friends of Stretford Public Hall would like to hear from anyone interested in supporting their proposals and anyone interested in finding out more should email friendsofstretfordpublichall@gmail.com.