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Trafford MBC Council pledges support for regeneration |
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Council pledges support for regeneration
Trafford Council has pledged its full support for a sports-led regeneration of Old Trafford which will create over 600 jobs, boost access to sport, improve education and training and will pour £16m added value per year into the local economy.
The redevelopment of Lancashire County Cricket Club's (LCCC) ground is the first phase of a masterplanning exercise around the Trafford Town Hall area.
The first phase of the club's redevelopment works are already underway and a planning application is due to be submitted for the second phase in early October. This would transform the club into one of the country's premier sporting destinations. The planning application for these proposals will include a proposal for a larger Tesco store on Chester Road, as an extension to a site they have previously been granted planning permission for.
The proposed redevelopment of the site will bring the ground up to the English Cricket Boards standards for International cricketing venues, and provide LCCC with the opportunity to bring the Ashes Test back to Old Trafford - which it lost to Cardiff this year.
The regeneration of the wider area includes the creation of jobs, educational opportunities - including plans to establish an Academy (from the merger of Stretford High School and Lostock College), improvements to highways and the physical environment and increased access to sporting and training opportunities. A range of mixed-use activities including new business, retail and leisure space are also being considered.
In order to enable this regeneration, the Council has agreed to provide financial assistance to LCCC if all consents and permissions necessary are granted for the phase two proposals, with funding from the potential land sales involved in the redevelopment of the area. The current plans are being supported by the North West Development Agency who have also financially committed to the project. The delivery partners include LCCC, Tesco, Ask Developments, Stretford High School and the Council.
Leader of Trafford Council, Cllr Matt Colledge said: "This is a very exciting time for Old Trafford and its residents. The potential redevelopment of LCCC has been a catalyst for this regeneration masterplanning and will continue to be a major factor in it. If the second phase plans are approved and the necessary consents are obtained, we can begin the task of shaping the regeneration of this area for the benefit of the borough's National and International sporting reputation, tourism and ultimately for the community.
"Hosting Test cricket in Trafford brings some £7m - £8m per event into the Borough, this is in addition to the economic benefits that would be created through wider regeneration in terms of jobs.
"The benefits for educational improvement will be realised through the potential establishment of an Academy in Stretford which will enhance the opportunities for students and improve access to training and sporting facilities which will ultimately improve health."
The planning application for the second phase development to be submitted in early October, follows a period of extensive consultations with local residents, businesses, sports bodies and neighbouring Local Authorities. The detailed outputs from these consultations have been summarised within a Community Consultation Strategy document which will be submitted within the planning application. |
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