Urmston is set for a transformation after leaders signed off on a 15-year vision for the town centre.
Trafford council is aiming to “future proof” Urmston as a “successful” and “dynamic” place to live and work. It has now signed off on a plan that will shape investment and regeneration in the town over the coming years.
A number of key areas are being eyed up as redevelopment opportunities, including Urmston’s derelict market site, the area around the library and several empty buildings around the town centre. Improvements in the streets are also proposed with new seating and road crossings being considered.
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Called the Urmston Plan, the vision will act as a guide for future projects in the town, with the council saying it will be able to use it as a basis for funding and investment bids in future years. The authority will also be liaising with landowners in the town centre to encourage sites to be improved or brought back to use. A list of the areas being considered for regeneration can be found below.
The plan has been drawn up following consultation with residents and businesses in the area, with almost 550 responses received. Concerns were raised from within the community over the general upkeep of the town, with issues such as cracked paving, potholes and litter flagged.
Residents also bemoaned a lack of public toilets in their park and a dearth of comfortable seating areas for the elderly. Young people in the town also criticised a lack of places for them to meet and socialise, particularly when the weather is bad.
Some criticised the town centre as dated and said they were “disappointed” with the number of vacant shops in the centre. Others raised problems on the roads, including congestion, poor parking and a lack of cycle infrastructure. Residents also said they wanted improved public transport into the town, including the creation of a Metrolink service.
Liz Patel, Trafford council’s executive member for economy and regeneration, said: “Urmston is one of Trafford’s most amazing and unique town centres […] and this plan is the latest reflection of our commitment to ensuring its future as a vibrant town centre that both delivers for residents and supports the diverse and hardworking businesses that call it home.”
She added: “The plan is not an end in itself, but a helpful and timely review of the priorities for the town centre and needs in Urmston. As and when investment and development opportunities arise, it will be a guide to that development.”
Councillor Joanne Harding has lived in Urmston since 1987, and represents it on the authority. She said: “Urmston really does have a charm of its own and it has a real sense of community that pulls together. Some of the historic buildings that we have, some of the architecture, is to be cherished.”
Regeneration ideas for Urmston
Higher Road – More planting, seating and lighting are proposed for the area around the cherry trees at the western end of Higher Road
Urmston Library – the overhanging roof of the library offers cover for people waiting for buses, but is not well-lit and needs more seating and planting, Trafford council has said. Existing columns and walls could also feature local artwork to “evoke feelings of local pride”.
Flixton Road / Crofts Bank Road – There is currently no pedestrian crossing between the pedestrianised zone at Golden Way and Urmston train station, the council said. A raised crossing is proposed across from the Millennium Clock, with the existing bus stop outside Bevano Lounge to be moved up the road. Trees would also be planted along this stretch.
Gloucester Road From Atkinson Road to the B5214 – This route hosts a variety of businesses, the council has said. Trees are proposed to be planted along this stretch, with seating built into some of the planters so people can stop for a coffee or have somewhere to sit while waiting for an appointment.
Former bank on corner of Crofts Bank Road – The council wants to see this building brought back into use to meet community needs, with arts, culture or leisure uses suggested for it. The building is currently vacant, but Trafford does not know what the landowner intends for its future.
Urmston Market – Planning permission was granted in February 2022 for the redevelopment of the site into an indoor market hall, work hub, hotel and children’s play areas. The scheme has stalled due to “viability challenges”, Trafford said.
Former Ridings Store – Again, Trafford wants to see the site brought back into use to meet community needs, with arts, culture or leisure uses once more suggested. However, the site is in “complex ownership” with the council believing its intervention might be needed to bring about its redevelopment.
Victoria Parade – Trafford said there is an opportunity here for a mixed-use residential development to be brought forward, incorporating commercial or work spaces. Again, ownership of this site has been described as complex and the project long-term.
Former TMBC Depot Building – This could be redeveloped into accommodation to meet either general housing need in the town or for older people. The intentions of the landowners for the site are “unknown”, Trafford has said. However, the council believes they would be “likely to support redevelopment”.
Former surgery on corner Station Road – Once more, the council wants to see this building redeveloped to meet community needs, such as through arts, culture or leisure use. Trafford has indicated that the owner is interested in redeveloping the site.