In December 2021, Trafford Council held public consultation sessions on an updated Sale Town Centre and Movement Strategy. Residents, businesses and community groups were invited to view the proposals and vote on priorities. The strategy was developed by Planit-IE Ltd and Civic Engineers on behalf of Trafford Council.

The vision was explicit: "Sale town centre will become a sustainable, fun and inclusive urban environment that will attract existing residents and new visitors of all ages to enjoy spending more time on the streets and spaces of Sale. A new identity will put Sale on the map."

This is what was put to the public.

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The seven key projects

School Road

A transformed pedestrian high street with new lighting throughout, trees and planting, defined squares of different character, play opportunities, and new seating. An option to reintroduce vehicles at the western end during evening hours to support the night-time economy.

Springfield Road

A narrowed carriageway creating a footpath in places three times wider than existing, with additional crossing points to improve east-west movement through the town centre.

Sibson Road

A narrowed carriageway, a new segregated two-way cycle lane, new pedestrian crossings, and a new taxi rank adjacent to Tesco — improving access to the town centre from the north.

Northenden Road

Redesigned as a one-way street for cars with a contraflow cycle route, widened pavements, improved streetscape, and an enhanced junction environment at Hope Street. A segregated two-way cycleway was specifically coordinated with the Mayor's Challenge Fund.

Ashfield Road and Claremont Road

Narrowed carriageways, widened footpaths, new pedestrian crossings, additional trees and improved paving. Claremont Road would become a key pedestrian route from any future Square redevelopment.

Town Hall Plaza

A unified civic space connecting Sale Town Hall, Waterside Arts Centre, the canal-side and the bridge — described as "a unique destination with an improved canalside space that announces Sale to the Bridgewater Canal."

Waterside Plaza

A new canal-side destination space with generous terraces bringing the Bridgewater Canal into the heart of the town centre — described as "the new heart for Sale's programme of events and a new destination for the town."

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The wider vision included

Beyond the seven projects, the strategy included a unified wayfinding and identity scheme for the whole town centre; a town-wide lighting strategy extending the day into the evening economy; an improved arrival experience at Sale Metrolink station; and green infrastructure, sustainable drainage and landmark trees binding the town centre together.

The strategy set out an illustrative timeline showing public funding bids being pursued in 2022. Residents were asked to place dots on boards indicating their priorities. That feedback was collected. The strategy was updated and published. Then came the waiting.