PLANS for a major redevelopment of a shopping centre have fallen victim to the credit crunch.
A three-month public consultation was due to start this month to find out what residents and traders want for a multi-million pound revamp of Chorlton Precinct.
But the council says it has put the consultation on hold until the autumn because of the recession.
Concerns were raised over the plans for a new shopping centre after Adam Gross, of the precinct’s owners Citybranch, told the Reporter in March that he wanted to see a ‘quality food store’ as the centre of the new development. Members of the Keep Chorlton Interesting (KCI) campaign are worried that a new large supermarket would threaten the viability of the suburb’s currently thriving independent shops.
Angela Harrington, the council’s south Manchester regeneration manager, said: "The city council remains committed to seeking the views of Chorlton residents and businesses on the future development of Chorlton Precinct. We now intend to seek people’s views on the key principles of the redevelopment in the autumn so we have a plan in place ready for the economic upturn. We would expect the precinct’s owners and their developers to take this feedback into account when they draw up any scheme."
She added: "We believe the independent retail sector is a vital part of Chorlton’s spirit and are determined to support and strengthen this as part of our overall vision for Chorlton.
"As well as improving shopping choice, with new units for independent traders and other retailers, we hope to seize the future opportunity to improve public facilities in the immediate area."
As part of a huge make-over, the council is considering demolishing the precinct which borders Wilbraham Road and Barlow Moor Road. A multi-million pound rebuild would take place in conjunction with the precinct’s owners, Citybranch, and other organisations. Initial ideas to redevelop the precinct also included a plan by the council to construct a new building for Oswald Road Primary School.
Debbie Clarke works at organic grocery, Unicorn, on Manchester Road, and is a member of the Keep Chorlton Interesting campaign.
She said: "It doesn’t really surprise me. The bigger people want the redevelopment to be, the more money it will have to generate, which basically means more large retailers.
"Perhaps, given the current economic climate, a smaller scale ‘facelift’ of the precinct would be more appropriate than a huge scale redevelopment.
"It could be modernised and made much more user friendly, and greener, without having to sell out to a huge supermarket or the like."
Chorlton councillor and deputy leader of Manchester City Council, Val Stevens, said: "It’s a shame that the economic climate has led to the delay, and we hadn’t got the money we wanted from the government for the school.
"It seems best to hold the consultation when there should be more of an upturn in the economic situation with a view to having more plans in place."
But resident Nick Pletchy, 50, who lives on nearby Brundrett’s Road, is disappointed that people will have to wait to have their say on the future of the site. He said: "I think it’s about time we did have a proper consultation, credit crunch or not.
"They should have had some plans and money in place before this, so I want to see them draw up some proper plans." Owners of the precinct, Citybranch, were not available for comment.
Tweet
Comments
Login or Register to comment
In an ideal world where there was an endless supply of public money then it would be great to have a new precinct without the partnership of a major retailer - however the Government is broke and there will be no Government funding for such projects for years to come.
So if we are to have a new Precinct then a commercial partnership will be required. I would suggest that a partner who compliment the independent retailers is chosen and who potentially could bring new shoppers into the area. - Waitrose comes to mind for me
or given Unicorn always make alot of noise on such matters then perhaps they should start spending some of their profits on improving the local community.
It's none of my business really as I live in Didsbury but who are Citybranch? ie who owns it? Are they sizeable or just tin-pot. The banks will be very tight re property for some time, especially RBS who got overcommitted...si if Citybranch is small and with RBS, don't hold your breath.
And by the way, try to keep the majors like the dreadful Costa Coffee and M and S out of your community...these enterprizes couldn't give a hoot about community....all they are after is money money money
They allowed Tesco just up the road so we don;t need anymore supermarkets!
In response to Paul's comment about Unicorn this co-op already contributes to local projects: see http://www.unicorn-grocery.co.uk/projectsupport.php
I think you'll find that this is much more than most companies do. (BTW I do not work for Unicorn)
A retailer such as Waitrose would be ideal as the anchor and could serve to compliment the fantastic choice of independent retailers in and around Chorlton. The reality is that the shopping centre in Chorlton has been neglected and the way foward would be significant investment in the form of a new shopping destination. Roll on the consultation and let's hope the community takes the opportunity to get their views across.