The first phase of a planned programme of public realm improvements in Altrincham town centre has been completed.
Following the Goose Green work earlier in the year, new natural stone paving is now in place on Shaw’s Road, Cross Street, their intersection with George Street and in front of the transport interchange on Stamford New Road.
Street trees have been introduced throughout the scheme, alongside contemporary-style wooden benches, new bins and bike-racks.
Unique touches to the tree grills have included geese footprints in Goose Green and the inscription ‘Altrincham Market Town 1290’ on Shaw’s Road.
Councillor Michael Young, Altrincham Forward Board member and Executive Member for Economic Growth and Planning, said: “We are delighted with the final look and feel of the newly improved public realm in Altrincham. The high quality materials have transformed key areas of the town, bringing a sense of light and space to the town centre, and complementing some of the town’s most attractive buildings, in particular Market House.
“We are pleased that the majority of the work was completed within the proposed schedule in time for the busy Christmas trading period to minimise disruption to traders.
“We have already seen an uptake in interest in previously vacant units in the improved areas of Altrincham, and expect to see this trend continue as we embark on phase two of the works from Spring 2016.”
Phase two of the work, to include the junction of The Downs, Lloyd Street and Railway Street, is scheduled to begin next March.
It is however understood that some of the proposed second phase has been postponed until 2017. More details will be provided in the new year.