Trafford Council has launched a major plan for Hale as it seeks to address the impact on the village of the resurgence of Altrincham – as well as the increased “churn” of businesses.
The council has appointed Nexus Planning to prepare a ‘Village Place Plan’ for Hale that will create a new vision for the village and outline how it can best “provide clarity and confidence to attract future investment”.
The plan covers three key areas – movement and transport, public realm and the streetscape.
And the local authority wants your views on its plans through an online survey – you can find it here.
The plan contains a number of proposals that could potentially be implemented in Hale, which the council said resulted from initial engagement with “local ward members, key stakeholders and the general public”. These include:
- Reduce traffic speeds in the village to 20mph
- Upgrade the frontage of the Ashley Hotel
- New high quality paving, seating and lighting on Ashley Road
- More trees on Ashley Road
- New synthetic grass bowling green to allow for alternate uses for the wider community, such as ice-skating or a market
- Create a new village square with the clock tower at its heart
- Restoration of shopfront fascias
The consultation document outlining the plan says there “there can be no denying” that the rejuvenation of Altrincham “has had an impact on Hale village both in terms of the types of operators who are now occupying units but also in terms of the footfall and volume of expenditure which is going through the tills”.
“It is evidenced… that residents are choosing to visit Altrincham and other destinations to meet their retail and leisure needs, due to the choice of overall offer, the range of family suitable destinations and the qualitative differences the town centre offers.”
It added there was “an evidence of ‘churn’ of operators and a notable decrease in available expenditure to support the operators”.
“However, the village is still a popular destination and hosts a number of higher-end shops, restaurants and bars which are key to its success.”
A consultation event is being held on Saturday 1st February at Hale Bowling Club, between 9am and 12pm. A similar village plan is being drafted for Sale Moor.
Cllr James Wright, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration, said: “The Village Plans will look at ways to improve both areas by identifying potential development opportunities, measures to improve their environment and accessibility including how to make them better and safer places to move around.
“I want the local community to be fully involved in the Place Plans and the survey is just the first part in this process. I would welcome your thoughts as these will help shape the draft Plans which will then be subject to further more detailed consultation.”
