STRETFORD THE PLACE
Stretford is a town to the SW of the City of Manchester. It has approximately 46,000 inhabitants, and is primarily a residential area.
Other than the Essoldo, Stretford has three other landmarks, or 'focal points' which engage with the community in some way.
STRETFORD
Stretford is a much loved place by its community. However, this is not to say that are no issues or concerns. Many people believe its potential is not being fulfilled. It is rich in its history but currently lacks things to do, and needs investment.
CHESTER ROAD
The Chester Road dual carriageway has has a massive impact on Stretford. It is not pedestrian friendly, and splits the Mall, Stretford Public Hall and Essoldo apart from each other. Many blame the road for Stretford's problems, and is the first thing that comes to mind when considering "Stretford".
THE MALL
Stretford Mall needs updating. Half of it is empty, and although there are some shops, they close at 6, with high rents pushing businesses out. This is a case example of an area which has potential, but does not currently serve the community successfully.
STRETFORD PUBLIC HALL
The Public Hall is seen by most as the heart of Stretford and the community. For the younger demographic however, there is no strong association to the grade 2 listed building. Again in need of refurbishment and investment, the Public Hall is another victim of the description 'potential'.
STRETFORD THE COMMUNITY
At the start of October, Focal Architecture ran a public engagement event to get to know the local community and find out how they see Stretford.
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Our practice focuses on social space, in particular with regard to redeveloping the Essoldo Cinema. We aimed to find out where people of different ages like to spend their time to socialise, and what their perceptions were of different landmarks or topics relating to Stretford.
To do this we asked firstly that people pin where they avoid, and where they think of first when socialising on a map. Secondly we asked them to write the first word that popped into their heads when confronted with different areas and relevant topics.
WHAT WAS FOUND?
Stretford has a strong, close knit community, but nothing to manifest itself in. Whilst people love the area, there are limitations on what one can do. The Mall is half empty, closes early and becomes a ghost town. The parks are avoided at night. The Public Hall is seen as the heart, but is in need of regeneration. The dual carriageway has been said to be "the kiss of death" to Stretford.
"The Park is always a great meeting place to see your friends. I avoid the park at night time however."
"I always go to Chorlton to socialise, there's not enough green space in Stretford"
SO WHAT?
The community is in need of a space which puts them first, and is accessible to those of all ages, day and night. The Essoldo Cinema has the potential to become such a space, and has a long heritage as a social hub. With links to the canal on one side and Stretford Public Hall on the other, it could tie the area together and become a new focal point for Stretford.
STRETFORD & THE ESSOLDO
TURBULENT HISTORY,
WASTED OPPORTUNITY,
POTENTIAL REDEVELOPMENT.
The Essoldo Cinema has passed between many hands, and has never really had one established purpose. It has however, always had a connection to the community which it has served. Perception of the Essoldo is poor, but all agree it has the potential for a project to make the Essoldo great again.
