Stretford Precinct ………… before it becomes something new and shiny

Now, in a few years from now, when the new shiny addition to Stretford Precinct has become part of the landscape, these pictures will be an important record of the history of that place.

Back when the first development was underway, I doubt that may people took photographs of what was going on.

And, many of those pictures will have long ago been lost, damaged or consigned to the back of a cupboard.

So, I was pleased when Andy Robertson began recording the changes to the shopping centre.

At which point I must confess I can’t remember what it is now called, or the details of the plans for the new ones.

Suffice to say you saw the start of it all here.

Location; Stretford

Pictures; Stretford Precinct, 2019, from the collection of Any Robertson

Don’t look ........ but Stretford Mall is becoming history

The trouble with history is that it creeps up on you and in the space of a short time the present is the past.

Now that might be blisteringly obvious but it is worth restating.

In this case it is the Stretford Mall which yesterday was the subject of a story reporting on the demolition work presently going on.

I included two of Andy Robertson’s pictures, who many will know has been recording the changes around Greater Manchester for a decade and more.

What makes his work unique is that he goes back again and again chronicling everything from demolition to new build.

The response, especially on social media was mixed, with plenty enjoying the story and a few expressing trenchant opinions about its transformation.

But what surprised me was the one response which questioned why it was a story, and had no time for my explanation that it would soon be part of our lost past.

At which point someone will produce one of those fabulous old images of the place when it opened, I shall content myself with these from Andy Robertson’s collection of just a year ago.

Location; Streford

Pictures; Stretford, 2017 from the collection of Andy Robertson

A little bit of Stretford is disappearing

Now, I was well aware of the plans and listened to those who had clear opinions on the future of Stretford Mall, but to see the demolition work in progress was still a surprise.

Back in May there was extensive coverage in the media about what was to happen and I am happy to leave you to follow the link and read more.*

For now I will just reflect on times gone by when a visit to the Mall was an alternative to town.

Back then, the Trafford Centre had yet to be built ,and while Chorlton did offer almost all you could want, the big barn of a place was always worth a visit.

There was back then free parking, and many of the “big shops”.

On a whim I nipped out one day, years ago, and bought a windup wireless which was on sale from Argos.

It lasted pretty much as long as the Mall, but by the time some of the “big names” were abandoning the shopping precinct, the windup wireless began to creak, and finally gave up on me.

These are the first of Andy Robertson’s new pictures of the Mall as it undergoes its transformation, but I know they won’t be the last.

Location; Stretford Mall

Pictures; Stretford Mall; 2018 from the collection of Andy Robertson

*This is what Stretford Mall will look like after £2m transformation, Stuart Greer MEN May 21 2018, https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/stretford-mall-2m-redevelopment-connell-14684443