Agenda

Attending

Steve Adshead, Councillor

Emma Finn, Stretford Public Hall

Stephen Jones, Trafford Council

Tom Ross, Councillor

Adrian Smith, Trafford Local Care

Abi Barker, Bruntwood

Bethany Adam, Bruntwood

Mark Nesbitt, TUF-C

Kate McGeevor, Stretford Public Hall

Shelly Quinton Hulme, Stretford Public Hall

Paul and Georgie Grzesiak, Uplift

Sue Broad, Franzieksa’s

Joanne Ellor Foden, Trafford Council

Simon Borkin, Stretford Public Hall

Apologies

• Jane Slater, Councillor
• Stephen, Clay Studios

Meeting notes

1. Minutes from the June meeting

Simon gave his apologies that these were not shared in advanced but a high level summary is available on the website here: Town Centre Forum - June 2024 meeting Town Centre Forum - June 2024 meeting

2. Town Centre Redevelopment Update

• Kingsway works have been completed
• Car parks are operational
• King Street is on track to complete in Autumn 2025 — it will be accessible day and night, supporting the evening economy
• More information on residential development expected in late spring 2025

Forthcoming Events

• Wishing Tree — fundraising for Little Green Sock. Event on Saturday 23rd Nov at midday
• Rainy Heart rave on 30th November
• Stretford Social on 7th December
• Community meal / Festive dinner at Uplift - 12 December

Council Inputs on redevelopment

• On track and satisfied with progress
• Residential offer is being worked

Planning Process

• Plots will be sequenced with consultation and detailed planning as they come forward

Other points

• Access issues noted: vehicles turning right out of Aldi pose a safety concern. Councillors are meeting with Bruntwood this week to address this
• Site capacity: outline planning works towards a maximum of 800 units. Final decisions on housing scale and tenure are pending
• It was suggested exploring the Altrincham BID model of using pop-up spaces in empty units
• Bruntwood is collaborating with Active Travel. Bethany is the point of contact
• Status of the A56:
• Current work is a temporary measure before a more comprehensive solution
• Gyratory work to be completed by mid-December. Junction by Victoria Park Junior School is ongoing
• There's a longer-term commitment for more permanent cycling improvements

3. StretFest Update

• Simon provided general update on the next StretFest which is taking place on 1 March 2025
• It was confirmed there would be an open application process for proposals with funding available

4. Thoughts for the Forum 2025

• There was a good discussion on the future of the Forum.
• It was recognised that while attendance at the meetings has dropped, people will read the minutes and appreciate the updates and discussions.
• It was added that it’s a critical 12 months ahead — forum needed to maintain sense of place
• Helpful feedback from members on improving the forum:
• Focus on structure following function
• Set dates for upcoming forums
• Establish information sharing methods
• Continue with successful initiatives like StretFest
• Address funding needs
• Consider surveys and guest speakers

5. Upcoming Forum Dates

The groups set the dates for next round of Town Centre Forum meetings which will be

Consider varying meeting times for better accessibility

6. AOB

• Creative Improvement District: Andy updated on discussions with Maria Bota (Director of Cultural Transformation) about Stretford becoming a Creative Improvement District (CID). This GMCA initiative may use Stretford as a pilot. Andy, Simon, and Kate are scheduled to meet with Maria for further discussions.
• RHS Judging: KM reported outstanding success for Stretford's community groups in the RHS It's Your Neighbourhood Awards. Several groups, including Stretford in Bloom and SPH's gardening team, received 'Outstanding' Awards.
• Community Action Fund: Kate briefed the Forum on a recent application to the National Lottery's Climate Action Fund. She suggested the Town Centre Forum consider a partnership application, which the Forum agreed to in principle. Stephen James requested that James Harries (Head of Climate Change) be consulted in these discussions.

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