- Regeneration of the Stamford Quarter aims to bring vibrancy back to the high street and sustainability is at the core of the proposals
- Improved streets and public spaces will enhance connectivity and accessibility
- Plans include blend of retail, workspace and hospitality, alongside new residential units
- Vision is to make Altrincham an even better and more sustainable place for the community to live, work and play
The vision, which has been put forward by the joint venture between Bruntwood Works and Trafford Council, is to transform the Stamford Quarter into a mixed-use destination that makes Altrincham an even better place to live, work and play for local families and the wider community.
At the heart of the proposals are plans to reshape the high street by blending retail, leisure, commercial and residential space in a bid to encourage more people to come into the town centre, helping to support the long-term, sustainable growth of the local economy.
Plans include the redevelopment of larger vacant units – including the former Rackhams site – into commercial workspaces that could cover up to 75,000 sq ft with proposals for retail and hospitality operators to take space on the ground floor creating a unique arrival experience, the introduction of a Stamford Quarter pop-up shop on George Street, where retailers can ‘pop up’ and trial new concepts on the high street, as well as cafes and restaurants to complement the Stamford Quarter’s existing retail and leisure offering. New retail and leisure offerings along Stamford New Road will also act as an anchor to draw people into the Stamford Quarter.
The team also wants to hear the views of the local community on plans to introduce town centre living through the redevelopment of Clarendon House and Sunningdale and Kingfisher House, a move which would help to support and sustain a thriving and liveable town centre. At Clarendon House, the former office and library building, there is the opportunity to provide a range of residential units, whilst Sunningdale House presents a unique opportunity to build modular homes that would create a highly sustainable rooftop neighbourhood and green space.
The public realm across much of the town centre has already been improved as part of its recent regeneration and the latest plans intend to build on this further. They would see 24,000 sq ft of the public realm, including Stamford Square – which sits at the gateway to the town – transformed into an attractive square that creates a new focal point and hub for families and the local community.
This will focus on creating a playful, flexible space that can be used for community events, outdoor exercise classes and live music, further enhancing the quality and attractiveness of the town centre. It will be made possible through the introduction of moveable furniture and feature tree planting; catenary lighting to create atmosphere and maximise the useable public realm; as well as new stepped access. This would include seating terraces and integrated planting to improve pedestrian connectivity and better link the Square to Stamford New Road and Altrincham Interchange.
Sustainability remains at the core of the proposals with plans to introduce green roofs on buildings to enhance biodiversity; incorporate photovoltaics to reduce building energy costs and their carbon footprint; and integrate sustainable drainage and rainwater management systems. The proposals will also support sustainability through the promotion of walking, jogging and cycling, while the plant and tree species that will be introduced are to be considered for their benefit to pollinators, as well as providing foraging and nesting habitats for local wildlife.
Cllr Andrew Western, Leader of Trafford Council, said: “Trafford Council is keen to gather as many views as possible on these plans and wants the local community to take the lead. Your views are vitally important to us and will shape our future.
“We have made creating successful and thriving places a top priority and the plans for the regeneration of the Stamford Quarter meet our commitments. The exciting mix of retail, residential, leisure and commercial will create a Stamford Quarter to be proud of and one for all generations to enjoy. The plans also meet other Trafford Council priorities of having pride in our areas and being green and connected. ”
Andrea George, town centre & consumer brands director at Bruntwood Works, added: “Retail will always be at the heart of Stamford Quarter, but as the retail landscape evolves we must look at how we can redevelop the high street to future-proof and bring further vibrancy to the town centre. By blending residential, retail, leisure and commercial space we want to breathe new life into the Stamford Quarter, but before any plans are submitted it’s really important that we give the local community an opportunity to have their say. In doing so we will make sure the proposals put forward are those the local community has helped shape.
“We believe these plans would not only complement and build on the success of the town’s recent regeneration, but help to create the next chapter in its development and enhance Altrincham’s reputation as one of the best places to live in the UK.”
The local community is invited to share their views and provide feedback on the plans via the following website: www.stamfordquarter.com/masterplan, and local artist Dave Draws will be hosting a live session in Stamford Square on Saturday 27th March between 12pm and 4pm to help bring the plans to life through illustration.
The consultation will be open until Friday 16th April.
More information about the Stamford Quarter, including its refreshed brand and identity can be found on the website: www.stamfordquarter.com
