The Stretford community is made of higher number of ethnically diverse children and adults (Stretford Refreshed Masterplan). So, it is vital to consider what the top group has to say, therefore this project will focus more on restaurant and farmers' market space to meet users' needs.
Initial Plan
My aim is to create a space that brings all generations/demographics together under one roof, where they can interact with each other and socialise. Whilst keeping their number one priority in my mind. One method to connect all these people can be by creating a space where there is farmers' market, a restaurant and a social space that encourages them to converse.
This diagram shows a simple process of how these spaces may work together. The idea includes a restaurant that buy food from farmers' market to cook their recipes and in return, the restaurant can promote these markets. This may also encourage people to buy fresh food from markets. Customers should be able to see chefs working in the kitchen, which may inspire customers to take cooking classes that the place offers. Again this leads back to markets as the food required for the cooking classes can all bought from community markets.
At present,Stretford lacks high quality restaurants near by. Area is mostly occupied by take-out food restaurants, thus people of Stretford have to commute long distance in order to enjoy a high quality meal, for example, travelling to the Trafford centre or the Salford Quays.There are number of different social activities close by such as, swimming, dancing, fitness etc. however, cooking classes are missing. This can be a new addition to Stretrod's social activities.There is place for farmers or community to sell their products, hence it is important to introduce a new space where people can sell their homemade food and grow their business.
Stretford is one of Trafford’s town centres and it is a densely populated area with a diverse demographics and the Town Centre is located at the end of Trafford, taking advantage of good links to M60 and is in a prominent position along the A56.It has excellent public transport connections and access to the Bridgewater Canal. The Victoria, Longford, Moss and Gorse Hill parks, alongside Stretford Meadows, Turn Moss and the wider Mersey Valley, are all located within walking distance of the Town Centre and provide access to recreational facilities and areas of attractive green space.