Town Centre Forum - February 2024 meeting

1. Agenda

For our first meeting of 2024, we covered:

2. Meeting Minutes

Welcome from the New Chair

Andy Simpkins, the new Chair of the Stretford Town Centre Forum (STCF), welcomed all attendees to the meeting, expressing his enthusiasm for leading the forum and working collaboratively to enhance Stretford’s town centre.

Learning from Altrincham Business Improvement District

Mandy White, Altrincham BID Manager, shared insights and strategies employed in Altrincham to improve the business environment. Her presentation covered successful initiatives and lessons learned, which could be adapted for Stretford.

Update on Town Centre Redevelopment

Bethany Adam from Bruntwood provided a comprehensive update on the town centre redevelopment project, highlighting the following points:

• A robust communication plan is in place, including the presence of Bruntwood development team at Stretford Socials from April onwards, to keep the community informed.
• A community information area will provide ongoing updates about the redevelopment.
• A development update will be available in the Messenger, and monthly updates will be available via a printed and digital newsletter.
• Some car park areas will be temporarily closed, with alternative parking provided near the hoarding by Chester Road.
• A proposal to rename the square is under consideration.

Plans for 'Stretford Day'

Simon Borkin, STCF Secretary, discussed plans for organising a summer event named 'Stretford Day' aimed at celebrating the community and promoting local businesses. It was agreed that Saturday 6th July would be the date and Simon would organise a sub-group to start planning for this.

Discussion: Navigating Challenging Trading Conditions

Andy led a discussion on strategies for dealing with difficult trading conditions. Key points raised included:

• The importance of maintaining open communication lines with businesses.
• The need for targeted dialogue with retailers, especially those feeling left out of communications.
• The proposal of a Bank Hub and loyalty card schemes as potential solutions for tackling financial exclusion and increasing local spend.
• The suggestion that rent and rates reductions could provide relief to struggling businesses during the impact of the works.
• Concerns about limited access and dialogue with businesses, affecting their ability to plan.
• The need for improved engagement with landlords, schools, and faith organisations to foster a collective vision for the town centre.
• Updates on public realm improvements along Kingsway and the potential for investment in Longford Park to enhance connectivity.

Member Updates

• Friends of Stretford Public Hall are in the final few days of their community share offer, raising funds to support a series of critical repairs to the roof.

Actions:

• Simon Borkin to setup sub-group for Stretford Day planning
• Andy Simpkins to arrange a separate meeting local/independent retailers, recognising they are currently under-represented within the Forum.
• Bethany Adam and Andy Simpkins to engage in discussions with the bigger retailers to improve communication and address concerns
• Simon Borkin to approach Maria Bota (Director of Cultural Transformation) to present at a forthcoming Forum meeting about the developing cultural strategy.
• Explore the implementation of loyalty card schemes and a Bank Hub proposal to support local businesses.

3. List of attendees

• Adrian Smith, Trafford Local Carers
• Andy Simpkins, Friends of Longford Park
• Bethany Adam, Bruntwood
• Caroline Lewis, Trafford Council
• Councillor Stephen Adshead, Trafford Council
• Elizabeth Dotun, Rehoboth for families
• Emma Bradley, Calm Connections
• Georgie Grzesiak, Uplift
• Helen, Calm Connections
• Jane Slater, Local councillor
• Jo, Stretford Canteen
• Kate Burgess, St Matthew's Church
• Mark Bamford, Trafford Council
• Mandy White, Altrincham BID
• Minh Bui, Classy Nails Beauty Ltd
• Nigel and Anya Young, Reel Around the Fountain Records
• Pat Savage, Topaz Dance
• Shelly Quinton-Hulme, Friends of Victoria Park, Stretford
• Simon Borkin, Friends of Stretford Public Hall
• Tony Savage, Topaz Dance
• Trading Places