Food and drink hub One Central has announced it is to close down, blaming an increase in rent, rates and electricity that had made it “impossible to survive”.
One Central was originally launched as a lockdown project back in November 2020 by the team behind The Con Club.
Its open-air location made it perfectly suited to Covid times and its traders, which included Mexican specialists Choza and coffee stall Tatton Perk, thrived as people were restricted to takeaway and delivery options.
However, in a Facebook post today, One Central has said it will be shutting down once its current lease ends in March.
It said: “We have always been on borrowed time with our lease, One C was a temporary ‘lockdown alternative’ for families & foodies to socialise. We never expected to flourish into so much more & we’re so grateful you made that happen.
“However, like so many others, the recent increase in rent, rates, electricity has had a huge impact, especially when heating & lighting an outdoor venue! The increases have turned our small businesses upside down, making it impossible to survive. Unfortunately with this in mind, when our current lease ends in March, One C will vacate Altrincham.”
Choza will be taking over the terrace for the remainder of the lease, and treat stall The Biscuit Tin will still be operating on Saturdays.
One Central added: “We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us since our opening in November 2020 and to all the team that have passed through One Central including the lovely Tatton Perk.”
“We’ve had an absolute blast – our lockdown project went big but it was never meant to last.”
There are in any event plans currently under consideration by Trafford Council that would require the demolition of the main Central Way building that shelters One Central.
The plans would see the construction of a new four-storey building on Central Way and a new three-storey building on George Street, which would be used for a combination of retail, leisure and office space. A decision on those plans is expected by the spring.
