A plan to transform a run-down green space in Altrincham town centre into a ‘Welcoming Gateway’ is to go before the public.
Our Altrincham, a not-for-profit community organisation run by volunteers, is coordinating the ambitious project to revamp the patch of land bordering Stamford New Road, Barrington Road and Stamford Street.
The project aims to promote Altrincham’s unique identity, celebrate its rich industrial heritage, welcome visitors into the town and bring the site back into regular use as a public green space.
Proposals include a linear display of historical information, a dynamic central statue, a living ‘Welcome to Altrincham’ sign, four new benches plus additional seating, a community notice board, litter bins and attractive landscaping and planting.
A public consultation will now be held at Altrincham Arts & Heritage Centre (Art With A Heart) at 24 Stamford New Road on Sunday 25th September, from 11am until 3pm. Members of the team will be presenting their draft proposals and encouraging visitors to ask questions and complete a survey so that their views can be taken into account as project planning progresses.
The project’s first phase is nearing completion thanks to funding from a Trafford Partnership Voluntary Sector Grant, which was awarded when members of the public voted overwhelmingly to support the project.
The funding enabled Our Altrincham to prepare the site which included having three overgrown trees removed from the site to transform it from “dark and intimidating” to “lighter, brighter and more welcoming”.
A large tree trunk will be carved by chainsaw artist Andy Burgess to reflect the town’s history and heritage and the trees will be replaced with three smaller, more suitable species.
The main collaborators are local arts charity, Art With A Heart, and disabled artist, John Lockwood. The project is however looking to involve as many of the community as possible.
Funding for the remaining phases of the project will be sought once planning permission is obtained. It is hoped that some of it will be obtained from Heritage lottery funding.
