Plans to transform a former House of Fraser department store into a commercial, retail and leisure destination have been approved.
Part of the wider Stamford Quarter regeneration project in Altrincham, the proposals for the old Rackhams building were backed by Trafford Council’s planning committee on Thursday, January 20.
The scheme will include 50,000 sq ft of commercial workspace and 25,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space on the ground and lower ground floors.
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Trafford Council and Bruntwood Works are behind the project which will also see the building renamed Foundation.
Andrea George, town centre and consumer brands director at Bruntwood Works, said: "Altrincham is already a town centre success story, bucking the story of decline that has defined so many of its peers around the country.
"The pandemic’s lasting impact on where people want to spend more time to work, shop and play locally means there is an opportunity to deepen and strengthen its offering. That’s what Foundation will do.
"It will give Altrincham all the ingredients that the high streets of tomorrow need. By blending premium workspaces, retail and leisure, we’re providing a new and much-needed amenity that complements the existing operators within Stamford Quarter and the wider town centre.
"We can’t wait to see Foundation take shape and underpin this new chapter for Altrincham."
The approved plans include a complete redesign of the ground floor to include a cafe, restaurant and retail that will spill out onto Stamford Square.
There will also be a 340 sq m living wall in the central atrium and an external green wall.
A new two-storey extension will also be created which will incorporate new terraces on the first floor and a new solar panel system on the roof.
A gym and wellness area, as well as extensive cycle storage and showers, have also been incorporated into the plans.
Cllr Andrew Western, leader of Trafford Council, added: "Trafford Council has carried out a huge amount of work in Altrincham and we are very proud of what we have achieved.
"The council has been at the forefront of the regeneration of the town centre in recent years including our work on the successful Market Quarter, public realm works and Altrincham Business Improvement District.
"The Rackhams building is close to the hearts of people who live in Altrincham and following close consultation with residents we will redevelop it to meet the needs of a modern town centre with a mix of workspace, retail and leisure.
"This project will help Altrincham become an even more successful town centre and I for one will be delighted to see it take shape."
