Manchester-based developer Nikal has unveiled a third scaled-down version of its scheme to redevelop Altrincham town centre.
Nikal’s latest plans propose a £70m leisure-led scheme called Altair, which sees it drop elements of the previous plans including offices, a hotel and a hospital. The changes slash the gross development value of the original project unveiled in 2008 by more than half.
The latest plans for the 4.5-acre site include a new leisure centre, an extension to the Silver Blades ice rink to include a bowling alley, 150 homes, 35,000 sq ft of offices and 15 shops.
After winning permission for a £150m scheme in 2008, Nikal later revised the Ian Simpson Architects-designed scheme to a £100m project.
The original scheme included 53,000 sq ft of offices, a 135-bedroom hotel, 161,000 sq ft of retail and leisure and an extreme sports centre.
The revised scheme in 2010 saw the office space doubled to 100,000 sq ft and the addition of a hospital and 31 homes. However, the developer failed to secure a contract with Trafford NHS Trust.
Council leaders said the new plans are more deliverable in the current economic climate and hope work can begin next year, with completion by 2017.
Trafford council leader Matt Colledge said: “A considerable effort has been made to regain momentum on the scheme despite a challenging economic climate.
“It is now more refined and, crucially, deliverable, and in my view is a huge step forward in the rejuvenation of Altrincham.
“It now offers a very complementary approach to the town centre and will attract families to spend more time not just within Altair itself but across the town centre generally.”
Managing director Nick Payne said: “Altair will regenerate a brownfield site that has been underutilised for many years and hopefully provide Altrincham with a fabulous leisure centre.”
annabel.dixon@estatesgazette.com
