To inform Council of the proposals for a new University in Trafford and the strategy for securing the revitalisation of Stretford Town Centre and to note the associated decisions of the Executive on 2 October 2017.

(For further background, Members are requested to refer to the reports of the Executive Member for investment and the Executive Member for Housing and Strategic Planning which were presented to the Executive Meeting on 2 October 2017, items 3 and 4 respectively.)

The Council was invited to discuss the proposals for a new University in Trafford and the strategy for securing the revitalisation of Stretford Town Centre which had been approved by the Executive on 2 October 2017.

The Refreshed Stretford Masterplan was the Council's vision for the area which included University Academy 92, leisure facilities, public spaces, and the former Essoldo cinema. The Masterplan aimed to create jobs, attract people into the town centre and enhance the local economy.

Members were largely supportive of the plans and considered them to be a once in a life time opportunity to regenerate the area but were also cautious about the impact of large scale changes on the existing community.

Positive comments concerned the educational opportunities; new construction and jobs; new retail business and the impact on the economy, not only locally but regionally; new housing; new residents attracted to the area; improved leisure facilities and opportunities; improvements to the public realm and night time economy; and the rejuvenation of historical buildings.

Matters on which reassurance was required included the impact of such a large student population on the local community; an increase in the number of houses of multiple occupation and a new large scale tower block; the relocation of existing businesses and the uncertainty of leases not being renewed; the loss of green pockets of land and trees along the A56 which already had high levels of pollution; the Stretford Library site and future provision; a suitable mix of shopping and entertainment outlets to complement the night time economy that was not at odds with the close proximity of residential housing; impact on the infrastructure, including roads, parking and access to medical practices; access to and affordability of leisure facilities for local residents; and guarantees that existing residents had the opportunity to access education and jobs locally.

The Leader of the Council welcomed the contributions of Members and thought them opportune at the outset of the consultation period. Consultation with the local community over the plans commenced on 10 October and was set to run until 19 December 2017.

RESOLVED: That the comments of Members this evening and the decisions of the Executive on 2 October 2017, be noted.