DIY chain B&Q is to close its Broadheath store in September, ending an association with Altrincham that goes back more than three decades.
The Kingfisher-owned retailer takes up the bulk of the 80,000 sq ft Atlantic Street Retail Park, which was recently sold to SUI Generis Investments in a £14m deal. B&Q had seven years left on its current lease.
A spokesperson for B&Q told us: “We can confirm that staff at B&Q Altrincham have been told their store is set to close in September. We will endeavour to find alternative positions for as many staff as possible.”
We understand around 70 staff – who were all told of the closure back in October – are affected, and we’re awaiting confirmation from B&Q as to how many roles will be redeployed within the company.
Altrincham residents wishing to shop at B&Q will – from September – have to travel to Trafford Park.
The Broadheath store almost closed three years ago when contracts were exchanged with Morrisons on a deal for the Yorkshire-based supermarket to open a 25,000 sq ft store.
However, Trafford Council rejected the plan in July 2013, citing the negative impact on attempts to regenerate the Square shopping centre in Sale. At the same meeting, permission was given for Asda to build its 40,000 sq ft supermarket on the Lyon Industrial Estate, which opened last year.
No reason has been given for the closure, but last year B&Q announced plans to close up to 60 stores over two years as part of a restructuring of its UK and Ireland business.
After a review of B&Q’s estate, owner Kingfisher was looking to cut around 15% of space.
