Altrincham redevelopment delayed by Planning Inspectorate enquiry
A multi-million pound, mixed-use redevelopment in Altrincham is the subject of an enquiry by the Planning Inspectorate.
It has been announced that the compulsory purchase order (CPO) made by Trafford Council to release land for the ambitious Altair scheme in Altrincham town centre is to be investigated. The CPO was made on 31st December 2009 to acquire the Bridge Inn and a tyre garage owned by ATS Euromaster. It is understood that both the Bridge Inn owner, developer-investor Petros, and ATS are objecting to the CPO.
The enquiry is being welcomed by Trafford Council. Nick Gerrard, Trafford Council, comments: “I am pleased we now have a date for this inquiry as this means we are one step closer to being able to secure key parts of this scheme and a hugely exciting development for Altrincham.”
The proposed £100m Altair scheme for the 6-acre site includes 31 homes, 90,000 sq ft of Grade A offices, 70,000 sq ft of retail floor space and a 125-bed hotel. Any large-scale speculative development of offices in Altrincham would compete with developments in Manchester city centre and out-of-town developments such as the nearby Airport City scheme.
Following the demolition of existing buildings, developers Nikal had hoped to start construction works on the site in early 2011 with a 1st-phase completion target of summer 2012.
The development is controversial, with a local action group suggesting: “there is no demand for a new development like this when the existing town centre is struggling”. However, a revised planning application was given unanimous approval by Trafford Council.
The 2-day inquiry is to take place on 28th June at Trafford Town Hall. A decision is expected to be announced in September.
Architects for the development are Ian Simpson Architects.
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