Plans to turn the old JJB Sports and Superdrug site on George Street into a mixed-use development with retail units and 27 apartments were last night given the go-ahead by planning officers.
The currently disused building will be transformed into two retail units on the George Street side and a brand new apartment complex backing onto Central Way, overlooking the lower marketplace.
Last night’s planning committee meeting saw the application unanimously voted through.
Following a consultation process began last January – and given the fact the site lies within the George Street conservation area – the scheme was amended significantly by developers Merepark Homes before being submitted to Trafford Council.
The number of apartments has been reduced from 37 to 31, and the height of the building has been reduced by a storey to be more complementary to its surroundings.
The current 20,000 sq ft of retail space will also be reduced to 7,000.
The applications states: “The scheme will address the issue of unlettable, unsuitable retail space and provide much needed homes in the Town Centre.
“This development will undoubtedly form the catalyst for regeneration to the Central Way conservation area which is currently a mixture of poor quality buildings that formally fronted a service road until the Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council investment into the lower market regeneration.”
Richard Peel, the managing director of Merepark Homes, told us he did not yet have a timeline for the work starting as the process of generating funding for the scheme had not yet been completed.
