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£500M vision for Partington

Bethan Dorsett
15/ 5/2008

MILLIONS of pounds is to be poured in to Partington in the shape of a 500-home development and a shopping centre.

The canalside developments are hoped to change the face of the area according to the firm behind the plans, with a four-mile cycle route and village green included as some of the additional perks.

Peel Holdings had handed in two bids to Trafford Council, both of which were given the seal of approval on Thursday night.

Louise Morrissey, the company's director, told councillors both plans would make a huge difference to a district which falls in to the top 11 per cent of deprived areas in the UK and suffers as a result of high unemployment rates and a declining population.

Mrs Morrissey said: "This development represents millions of pounds in investment, focused on the needs of Partington. It is a chance for Partington to have a new shopping centre, new homes and a new green. It will change its image and make Partington a place to be proud of."

Under the plans, the firm hopes to build 550 homes, a mix of houses and apartments between one and four stories in height, on land adjacent to the Manchester Ship Canal. They also include the creation of two new roads, a canalside promenade and a route for pedestrians and cyclists, which will link in to existing footpaths.

Due to its size, the outline proposal will need the secretary of state's approval before work can start.

In the meantime, Peel Holdings is looking to make a start on the shopping centre within the next 18 months. To be built fronting Central Road, it will include a 'village square' in addition to a range of shops, restaurants and cafes.

While councillors welcomed the latter, some had reservations about the proposed housing development's entrance on Lock Lane.

Another committee member, Councillor Ken Weston said Partington was in desperate need of a by-pass, particularly with the traffic generated by the new homes and shopping complex, but said both developments were 'fantastic' for the area.

Highways official Jack Williamson said he shared these concerns but said a traffic study was being undertaken to see what could be done to improve the road network.

Another councillor voiced concerns that the new houses would spell the loss of a popular piece of open land which needed to be protected.

"I think the shopping centre will improve Partington but the housing estate should be decided at a later point," said Councillor Laurence Walsh.

Addressing his concerns, chief planning officer Simon Castle said the housing plan was part of a whole package for the area which, if introduced, 'something would have to give.'

Councillor Vivienne Ward said: "The regeneration of Partington is one of the council's top three priorities. It is so exciting as we have waited to see this development for such a long time."