Plans to regenerate Old Trafford have taken a significant step forward this week as Trafford Council’s Executive is set to agree to consult to create a new statutory body to co-ordinate ambitions for the area, alongside Manchester United’s bold 100,000-seater stadium plans.
The Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation will be created by the Greater Manchester Mayor, in partnership with Trafford Council, to acquire and develop land and property and oversee the provision of services such as transport and power.
Following approval, consultation will get under way this summer with local people. Residents and businesses will be called upon to share their ideas and views on what should happen next.
Old Trafford Regeneration area is one of Europe’s most significant investment and development opportunities – with the promise to dramatically enhance the area’s economic fortunes and quality of life.
Officials will set to work on the finer details of the Mayoral Development Corporation and formally ask the UK Government for support, as well as recruiting a Chair to take the helm.
The MDC will follow the success so far of Stockport Town Centre West MDC which is delivering new homes and growth as part of a long-term vision for the area.
Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said:
“The regeneration of Old Trafford is complex and will take years to progress. The MDC will be able to drive this important flagship work forward, overseeing costs, quality and timely delivery.
“It will mean we can pool expertise, resources and powers to attract investment and support aspects such as master planning, site preparation and infrastructure developments.”
Cllr Patel continued:
“We will extend consultation to all residents and businesses, as well as councillors and Andrew Western MP. We want as many people as possible to get involved.”
Six weeks of consultation will take place this summer, to give people a chance to have their say in person and online.
The initiative will sit within the huge, proposed Western Gateway Mayoral Development Zone (MDZ) stretching from Salford into north Trafford. This venture, a partnership between Trafford Council, Salford City Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, is also set for approval.
Establishing the Western Gateway will attract public and private sector money, paving the way for many thousands of new homes, quality jobs and workplaces. In Trafford, the focus will include Stretford town centre and the Civic Quarter, to New Carrington, Partington and Trafford Waters.
