A raft of new Altrincham public realm improvements have been announced by Trafford Council – including the addition of two new one-way sections in the town centre.
The works, which are planned to start in early summer and are due to be completed in late 2023, are designed to improve traffic flow, road surfaces, outdoor seating areas, footpaths and cycle lanes throughout the area.
The improvements – which comprise the next stage in the regeneration of Altrincham town centre – were shaped by a public consultation with residents and businesses in August and September last year.
At the time, Trafford insisted the work was “not simply a resurfacing of the streets” and aimed to “transform the vehicle-dominated streets and spaces of the town centre into pedestrian-friendly environments that encourage footfall, engagement, dwell time and interaction”.
Here are the improvements announced today:
George Street
George Street will be resurfaced with the same materials used on Shaws Road and Cross Street.
The plans feature a number of breakout and seating areas in the centre of George Street to encourage food and drink establishments. Options include sustainable drainage and green infrastructure.
The improvements to create a “greener and more playful” George Street towards its southern end – the more neglected end, in other words – with more trees and greenery, more seating areas and elements inspired by Altrincham’s linotype industry.
Market Street
The current one-way system on Market Street – between the Regent Road junction and High Street – will be reversed in a bid to reduce speed, vehicle numbers and reduce the “rat run” that sees vehicles currently cutting through Market Street and up New Street.
Moss Lane
Moss Lane is to be resurfaced in the same natural stone paving as Cross Street and Shaws Road, and footpaths will be widened.
Vehicles will still be able to access all areas as before, but the existing cycle lane will now be segregated.
Regent Road
Regent Road will become one way between the junction at Railway Street and Market Street, and will be accessed towards Dunham Road.
There will be a new contraflow cycle lane that is segregated and lined with ‘rain gardens’ that introduce trees and green infrastructure to the area.
The changes to vehicle flow were informed by traffic simulation modelling undertaken by Transport for Greater Manchester.
Trafford also said that, as a result of feedback during the consultation, they had agreed to amend the plans to include 30 trees within Regent Road and Market Street.
Cllr James Wright, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration, said: “I am delighted that the next phase of the Altrincham public realm has been announced and that we are able to carry out the improvements to our environment, roads, cycle lanes and footpaths. The environment is extremely important to the Council and one of our main priorities.
“The vast majority of responses received in the consultation were positive towards the proposals – and we have listened to them very carefully. Residents identified the need for more planting and trees so we amended the plans to include a total of 30 trees within Regent Road and Market Street. Other comments included concerns over cycling safety and we have also addressed this.”
It is anticipated that the first phase of the improvement works will be to George Street and Market Street and will start in late spring/early summer with completion expected in late 2022.
Works to Moss Lane and Regents Road are planned to commence in early 2023 and are due for completion late 2023.
