stretford is moving from long-term under-investment to visible renewal as regeneration work reopens King Street, prepares new homes and brings a Makers Market to the high street; the Makers Market launches on Saturday, March 28 between 10 a. m. and 4 p. m. ET and plans for Phase 2 of the town centre redevelopment are advancing now. The transformation is led by Trafford council and Bruntwood Holdings, and developers say more housing and public space remain to be delivered. Local organisers and council documents set out a timetable for demolition, planning and construction over the coming years.
Key changes delivered and immediate gaps
The regeneration programme has reopened King Street as a new high street and public square, introduced a Northern Light cinema set to open to the public next week, and altered The Kingsway to improve walking and cycling routes by reducing the road to two single lanes. On the former Lacy Street car park opposite King Street, 53 new homes are under construction on land that once hosted a Royal Mail sorting office. At the same time, Stretford Mall has closed and Phase 2 plans for the mall site are now being prepared.
Stretford market and openings
A new Makers Market will begin on King Street, adjacent to Chester Road, with the first Stretford event scheduled for Saturday, March 28 between 10 a. m. and 4 p. m. ET. Following that opening, a Makers Market is planned to run on the first Sunday of each month for the rest of the year, with the schedule noting a regular monthly presence from May. The Makers Market organisers described their plans in public messages and invited local makers, bakers and artists to participate.
Plans for hundreds more homes and public space
Council planning documents set out Phase 2a proposals that would demolish the remainder of the mall site and deliver 248 new homes for market rent, comprising a stated mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom flats. A public park is also proposed for the cleared land. Phase 2 is described as split into two parts: Phase 2b would add a further block of homes, delivering around 178 additional units focused on one- and two-bedroom properties if external funding is secured from a national housing grant programme. Trafford council has linked planning milestones to demolition and grant outcomes and has outlined a construction start expectation in mid-2027 with completion targeted by the end of 2029.
Immediate reactions from local bodies
“We’re kicking things off at Stretfest on 28th March – as part of the town-centre takeover, then you’ll find them every first Sunday of the month kicking off in May, ” said Stretford Town Centre in a public statement. The Makers Market added it was “so excited” to bring “incredible independent makers, delicious food, unique gifts and amazing local talent” to the town centre.
Quick context
Regeneration led by Trafford council and Bruntwood Holdings follows years described in planning documents as under-investment, and the scheme has moved from initial street and public-space works into larger residential and redevelopment phases. The closure of the mall cleared the way for Phase 2 planning and the proposed mixed housing and parkland.
What’s next
Watch for the Makers Market launch on March 28 (10 a. m. –4 p. m. ET) and the monthly market rhythm thereafter; expect a formal planning application for Phase 2a to be submitted imminently as council documents indicate. If planning and demolition milestones hold, construction on the Phase 2a site is expected to start in July 2027 with the council aiming to complete work by the end of 2029. Local residents and traders will be monitoring progress on park proposals and the outcome of any external funding bid tied to Phase 2b.
