Here’s a first view of some of the improvements being planned for the Stamford Quarter.
The development’s owner, Lunar Holdings, has secured planning permission for a number of improvements and alterations to buildings in Stamford Square, Stamford New Road and George Street.
The improvements aim to bring the dated area around Stamford Square and Rackhams in line with some of those already made to central George Street – the Debenhams/H&M/River Island area – and include:
- The installation of double height shopfronts along Stamford Mall in an attempt to exploit the “substantial” first floor retail areas along the north of Stamford Square, including Rackhams and the former New Look unit
- The removal of the “disproportionally heavy” canopies to modernise the shop unit exteriors
- The removal of the largely unused bridge and ramp at the end of Stamford Mall and the infilling of the inverted corner of the Rackhams building
and how it currently looks:
Various other planned improvements would include:
- The installation of Sheffield-type bicycle stands within the Square and Mall, to replace those there already
- The demolition of all existing planters and steps within the Square and Mall, but the retention of the existing tree
- The installation of a new ramp from the rooftop car park to improve traffic circulation
- The rendering of the brown shopfront pilasters and wall areas in matt white
Trafford Council has given Lunar – a joint venture company set up by Apollo Global Management and M&M Asset Management last year – permission to go ahead with the improvement work.
In its original application, Lunar said the overall aim of the work was to “revitalise this end of the Stamford Quarter by attracting new anchor tenants and improving its presence, visibility and attractiveness”.
It added: “The Stamford Quarter is well located but it is not fulfilling its potential. Its décor and the architectural style of the existing buildings has become dated and we feel will be significantly improved and modernised by our proposed
alterations.
“The existing unit sizes are also very limited, meaning that any medium to large-sized retailers are prohibited from becoming tenants at the centre.
“We believe that the proposed works will make the centre more attractive for future retailers looking for modern looking shop units.”
Colman Architects are currently working up drawings related to the plans with a view to moving to a tender process later in the year.
Below: The changes are designed to fit in with those already made to George Street
