King Street regeneration brings boost for Stretford businesses

The first phase of King Street's town-centre regeneration has delivered street and public-space improvements in Stretford, and local business owners say the changes have improved accessibility and attracted more visitors.

The first phase of a wider town-centre regeneration on King Street in Stretford has been completed, with works also carried out on Pinnington Lane and Sir Tony Lloyd Square. The scheme is being delivered by Bruntwood and Trafford Council and future plans include closing the mall to create a new public park and housing. Local traders and community-minded businesses report early signs of improved accessibility and visitor interest. Key details: - The initial works covered King Street, Pinnington Lane and Sir Tony Lloyd Square. - The redevelopment is led by Bruntwood in partnership with Trafford Council; later phases are expected to free the mall site for a public park and housing. - Costa manager Becky Tugwell said moving into a new unit in October made the area feel more accessible and that more people are arriving by bike or on foot. - Nigel Young of Fountain Records said retail has changed over the past decade but customers still visit record shops, and some shoppers are now coming from as far as the United States and Australia. - Stephen Graham of Clay Studios highlighted good transport links by tram and bus and described a strong local creative community. - The project has received a Pineapple Award for the Kingsway redesign and has been nominated for a second award. Summary: The town-centre changes are reported by several local businesses to have improved accessibility and footfall, and the scheme has received national recognition. Later phases aim to deliver a public park and housing on the mall site; the timeline for those plans is undetermined at this time.