 |
| |
A new partnership is forming, promising a bright new future for the Eastern edge of the area. But what exactly will this Future Plan deliver? |
|
|
|
| |
 |
The Future Planning Partnership is made up of Trafford Council, Trafford Housing Trust and Old Trafford Neighbourhood Management, |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
who have come together in recognition of the many social and economic issues faced by residents in Old Trafford’s most under-developed areas, including Shrewsbury Street, the Tamworth, Hullard and Rivers Estates, and areas around Lucy Street and City Road. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
A Manchester-based team of urban design consultants called URBED have been appointed to work with people living in the area, local businesses and relevant agencies to play their part in designing the future of Eastern Old Trafford. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
URBED have developed a community design process that has been run with residents from over 100 housing estates across the country, and are now seeking the views of the community about where there might be opportunities for positive change. |
|
| |
|
|
|
Cllr. Mike Cornes, Executive Member for Economic Growth at Trafford Council said: “we want to encourage everyone - local residents, businesses and voluntary groups - to get involved and tell us how and where we can make improvements to develop the area. |
|
|
|
|
|
Ralph Rudden, Vice Chair of Old Trafford Neighbourhood Management, added “This is a great opportunity for all of us to have a huge say in making Old Trafford the way we want it to be.” |
|
|
|
|
|
When pressed by OTN for details about available funding, Jane McCall, Director of Investment and Regeneration at Trafford Housing Trust admitted that they did not yet have any funding in place and could make no specific promises about the extent of improvement works that may follow.
“We’re not at that stage yet. The whole purpose of this planning exercise is to identify what needs there are in the area and what it is that the community believes should be done to improve people’s economic and social prospects. Once that process is complete we will be in a position to look at where funding can be secured.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
She also confirmed that a planned multi-million pound improvement package that had been long-promised to the Trust’s 1,500 local tenants in had been put on hold until the new consultation is complete. URBED say they will complete their work by Autumn.
Local residents will hope that this is one consultation that leads to real and lasting changes for the long-suffering residents of decaying housing estates. It will come not a moment too soon.
|
|
|
|
|
|
What will Future Planning be considering?
The Future Plan partnership insist that any issues that residents feel are significant can be brought to the table. They expect the consultation workshops to raise questions including:
What will Old Trafford look like?
What sort of housing is needed?
How can we ensure that there are sufficient health and other services in the area?
How does Old Trafford link into neighbouring areas?
How can we ensure local people and businesses can make the best of economic opportunities?
How can we make Old Trafford safer and more attractive?
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
 |
Story |
OTN Team |
 |
Photos |
OTN Team |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
All bright on the Eastern Front