The Third Duke, Stretford

Eatery and performance venue

The building's name 'The Third Duke' is in reference to Fracis Egerton, the 3rd Duke
of Bridgewater. It is synonymous with the Bridgewater Canal and its significance in building Stretford's identity.

This project aims to act as a social hub for Stretford, providing leisure through live performances and events in relationship with an eatery. The programme seeks to encourage nightlife, community gathering and appreciation of the surrounding context, namely the Bridgewater canal and the Essoldo theatre.

As part of the P02 engagement event many community members voiced an overall absence of activities and provisions in Stretford, especially during the evening and night when The Stretford Mall closes, essentially cutting off the town’s centre. There is a strong will for enrichment, entertainment and a lively social scene as residents have to travel far away to find this at present.

From the engagement event the highest percentile of people aged 21-77 desired a new restaurant/ bar within Stretford to revive their area. There was a demand for the arts and performance as also indicated by 8-12 year olds. I intend to appeal to these audiences and address their concerns.

"There is a strong core community, however this means the community is fragile and many within are misrepresented"- Profile 7 purple

"The mall closes after 6pm; there ought to be something to do in the evenings". "The canal needs to be made more inviting" - Profile 6 Purple