Stretford Tesco
Campaigns against Tesco began back in 2006, when the company applied to build a Tesco ‘Extra' on playing fields on Chester Rd, Stretford. This format is the biggest of all, and the proposal was for a store of over 8000 square metres, selling everything from groceries to clothing to electronics. Although the area around the proposed site is certainly not well served for shopping, these needs could easily have been met by a small supermarket, or preferably a number of small local shops. A store of this size would not only drain business from other local centres and local shops, but also prevent any sort of alternative ever developing in the area.
In September ‘06, after having been opposed by Trafford Council, Tesco took the case to a Public Inquiry, where a government-appointed Planning Inspector provided a rare and welcome setback to the company's aggressive expansion plans, rejecting its appeal.
Included in his refusal were the concerns, held by many, over the potential effects of a Tesco of this size on existing centres. Encouragingly, it also demonstrated a readiness to take the views of local people into account, and a recognition that, among other things, "local shops....are a valuable aid to social inclusion".
In 2007 however, news came to light that Tesco had entered into a new, joint venture with Trafford Borough Council, Ask Developments, and Lancashire County Cricket Club, for a massive redevelopment of a large area of Stretford. Potentially involving the cricket ground, Trafford town hall, Stretford Leisure Centre and more, the anticipated 750,000 sq ft development will include business space, residential, retail, hotel, leisure and other development with a potential end value of £190m (LCC site 14/5/08).
If Tesco's part of the development is anything like the size of store they applied for back in 2006, the results could be disastrous for Chorlton and other nearby district centres, leaching trade away from Hulme and many other smaller local shopping areas, such as Ayres Road in Old Trafford.
As a Chorlton-based group, we are reluctant to involve ourselves too heavily in a development outside our area, particularly as it's clear the area is not well served with retail provision. But as residents of an area that will be seriously affected by the development, we feel we have a right to be consulted.
If you live in Stretford or nearby elsewhere in Trafford, and you are concerned that a mega-Tesco would damage and restrict independent trade in your area, please get in touch! It'd be great to build your own local campaign. Email keepchorltoninterestingatgmail.com, replacing the "at" with"@".