A few edited notes from our June meeting. For the full minutes and invitations to our meetings, join us!
Precinct development
John Hacking summarised the current situation: the Council’s Development Framework principles give the overall intended structure of the development (including 80% residential, 20% commercial with public green space). It should be attractive for people and businesses, promote diverse provision and have community facilities.
One outcome of the Chorlton Vision project is that the Council is analysing the broader overall plan for Chorlton and will produce a formalised Master Plan for the district, in light of the significant developments at the Precinct; Coop Funeralcare, Ryebank Fields, the Irish Centre, Chorlton Leisure Centre, in order to ensure there is a balance of provision and that local community needs are met, for healthcare, schools, shops and services.
There are no definitive plans for the Precinct site yet, there will soon be a consultation, arrangements have been made for current tenants to vacate in January.
In the discussion that followed, in response to concerns raised about the fate of existing tenants, including issues raised in the petition organised by Michelle Haller, Councillors have consulted individually with tenants to identify their needs going forward (cease trading; relocate; return to the redeveloped Precinct). A support package has been agreed with developers, to provide: business advice; support in relocating temporarily or permanently to another location from a commercial estate agent.; access to business grants.
Concerns were expressed about the potential loss of footfall and the threat to the viability of remaining businesses during the 3-year redevelopment period.
It was suggested that the developers (Livesey) are invited to a future traders’ meeting.
Footfall: latest figures
Recent footfall figures have shown a glimmer of improvement, perhaps due to Chorlton Arts Festival, the good weather, … or maybe also folks re-discovering how good it is to be in Chorlton.
We hope that the cycleway work can be completed as quickly as possible, and that all those initiatives, services and events continue to attract people to Chorlton. In general, Chorlton continues to fare better than central Manchester
Note that the footfall counter is outside Costa at the Precinct
Chorlton Metrolink Station Lift shaft Mural
The mural featuring Batman the Cat on the Chorlton Metrolink station lift shaft has now been completed, and marked with an opening ceremony, with coverage in MEN. The artist is Caroline Daly, and the mural is a result of of a lot of work, including by Carolyn Kagan at Chorlton Voice and others on the selection group and also involving TfGM (who own the lift shaft)
Greater Manchester Police
Mark Farrell has again asked for traders to report crimes and contact him if necessary (email: mark.farrell@gmp.police.uk ). GMP are proactive in Chorlton on shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, and have recently made several arrests of offenders. Resources need to be prioritised, hence the importance of continuing to report crimes. Strong concerns were expressed that crime prevention in the Chorlton area was not effective enough, and that traders continued to be frustrated by the police response.
Beware of Scam Emails
Chorlton Traders received an email, apparently from a trader’s email account, asking us to purchase Amazon vouchers on his behalf, then send photographs of the codes. The emails seemed very plausible, it is easy to be tricked. Continue to be suspicious of communications asking for money, account details or passwords, however genuine they may appear