Bend it Like Beckham immersive screening success 

On Saturday 14th September, Stretford town centre came alive as Girl Gang Manchester transformed the space with an immersive screening of the cult classic film, Bend it Like Beckham. The event featured a Bollywood dance workshop, lively panel discussions, a football skills workshop hosted by Rain On Me FC and interactive pop-up performances, culminating in the film screening and a post-match after party with a DJ set from Amina on The Beat. As a special highlight, 50 pairs of New Balance football boots were given away to football fans during the event. 

Running from 4 to 11pm, the event was only the second time in over a decade that guests had the chance to enjoy the Mall after hours, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone.

Stretford Socials X The Big Draw Festival 

Date: Saturday 5th October, 12-4pm
Location: Stretford town centre 

Stretford Socials is back and this time the team has joined forces with The Big Draw Festival, the world’s largest celebration of drawing! Join us for a fun-filled event that showcases how drawing can boost confidence, spark creativity and improve well-being, communication and engagement.

This year’s festival theme is ‘Drawing in Motion,’ and there’ll be a programme of interactive workshops where you can get hands-on with pen, paint or whatever medium inspires you. 

As always, we’ll showcase a fantastic line-up of local makers and bakers, including favourites like Urban Preserver and DLC Gifts. For the first time, Swig Coffee will be joining us, with their van stationed outside of the Chester Road entrance to fuel your creativity with delicious brews.

Get ready for a day filled with art, fun and community!

Development update 

King Street progresses while surface car park nears completion 

New red bricks appear on King Street.New red bricks appear on King Street. (Image: (Ernst ter Horst on LinkedIn))

King Street continues to take shape with red brick piers being constructed. These piers will help restore the area to its original appearance and will separate and distinguish the individual shop fronts, which are being created in varying sizes to accommodate all kinds of businesses.

On King Street a new first floor arcade area is also being constructed and will be accessible via lift or stairs. This newly skylit space will feature a collection of smaller units, primarily home to service-oriented businesses. It’s set to become the go-to destination for nail treatments, physiotherapy sessions, and optical appointments.

The Stretford retail team are busy having conversations with exciting retailers to take a space on the new high street. Announcements are expected in the coming months.

New surface car park near Aldi takes shape.New surface car park near Aldi takes shape. (Image: (Ernst ter Horst on LinkedIn))

Work is also progressing well on the other side of the town centre with the new surface car park next to Aldi well underway. This accessible car park has been created in the space uncovered by the removal of the old external multi-storey car park (MSCP) ramp. 

The MSCP is also undergoing a vast transformation with new lighting, better security and a bright yellow render to the car park stair tower. It will reopen in 2025. In the meantime, ample parking is available in the temporary car park accessible via Chester Road. Just look for the hoarded area between Chester Road and St. Matthew's Church.