Regeneration of Altrincham to include redevelopment of former House of Fraser site

Trafford Council and Bruntwood Works are to transform a former House of Fraser department store site as part of their regeneration of Altrincham’s Stamford Quarter.

The plans include creating 50,000 square feet of commercial workspace and 25,000 square feet of retail and leisure space on the ground and lower ground floors.

Renamed Foundation, the Rackhams building scheme will provide a mix of workspace, retail and leisure in the heart of the Stamford Quarter.

The approved plans include a complete redesign of the ground floor to include a cafe, restaurant and retail offering that will spill out onto Stamford Square. In addition, there will be a 340 square metre living wall in the central atrium and an external green wall. A new two-storey extension will also be created.

Cllr Andrew Western, leader of Trafford Council, said: “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.”

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.”