One of Altrincham's longest-running regeneration sagas could be entering a new chapter, with Trafford Council proposing to turn the former Altair site into a major residential development.
The council is recommending that the 4.5-acre site between Oakfield Road and Moss Lane should be developed primarily for housing, potentially bringing an end to almost two decades of failed plans for a major new shopping, leisure and residential quarter.
The proposals, which will be considered by Trafford Council's Executive on Monday October 19, would also see the existing surface car park potentially replaced by a multi-storey parking and transport hub.
An indicative masterplan includes apartment buildings of five storeys or more, smaller residential blocks, commercial space and landscaped communal areas.
The plans represent a significant change of direction for the site, which was originally earmarked for the £70 million Altair development first unveiled in 2008.
That scheme, led by developer Nikal, promised a major transformation of the area with apartments, shops, restaurants and leisure facilities, but repeatedly stalled amid economic difficulties, redesigns and delays.
The project became one of Altrincham's most notorious regeneration failures, with some prospective apartment buyers left waiting years to recover deposits paid on homes that were never built.
Trafford Council finally regained control of the site after negotiating an exit from its longstanding development agreement with Nikal, which dated back to 2007.
In August last year, Altrincham Today reported that property consultants Savills had been appointed to draw up a fresh vision for the land.
That work has now produced two main options: a retail-led development incorporating a large supermarket and extensive surface parking, or a predominantly residential scheme with parking consolidated into a multi-storey hub.
Council officers are recommending the residential option, arguing that the site cannot accommodate all the potential uses while also retaining sufficient parking for the neighbouring Move Altrincham leisure centre and Altrincham Interchange.
The report says a housing-led scheme would make better use of the town centre location, deliver new homes at scale and allow improved pedestrian connections and public spaces.
It also suggests that taller buildings could be appropriate in parts of the development, subject to design and heritage considerations.
The future of the existing Planet Ice rink is another consideration.
Although the council says the development could proceed alongside the rink, the report raises the possibility of the ice rink site becoming part of a later residential phase, giving Planet Ice time to consider its long-term plans and whether it wishes to invest in its Altrincham operation.
The financial challenges remain considerable. The council has already invested £2.03 million in reacquiring the site, although it says the borrowing costs are currently covered by income from the car park and ice rink.
A further £400,000 is expected to be needed for site investigations, design work and other preparations, with £200,000 already secured from Greater Manchester's Good Growth Fund.
The council also acknowledges that the residential scheme is likely to require additional public funding to make it financially viable.
Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council's Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said: "It's been some years since the redevelopment of this key town centre site was considered. We want to properly explore how it could now be redeveloped for maximum benefit of the town, the community and the local economy.
"The approval of a residential-led approach does not commit the Council to any specific development scheme and any future decisions would be the subject of further consultations and approvals.”
If councillors agree the recommendations next Monday, the council will progress further investigations, design work and discussions with potential development partners.
No final scheme has been approved, no planning application has been submitted and there is currently no confirmed timetable for construction.
The council says a full public consultation plan will be developed during the next stage.
