Work is progressing on the new Waitrose supermarket in Hale Barns, with a November opening still possible - although the store may not welcome its first customers until December.
The new store at Hale Barns Square is undergoing a complete refurbishment, with new flooring, lighting, paintwork and security cameras already installed.
The shopping area has also been redesigned and expanded, with a new bakery taking shape along the back wall.
According to an update shared with Altrincham Today, the supermarket will offer a much wider range of groceries and everyday essentials than its predecessor.
The intention is to create a full-size Waitrose supermarket rather than a smaller convenience-style store.
Monday 16 November had been suggested as a possible opening date, but this has not been confirmed.
Tuesday 1 December is now another potential date, with a considerable amount of work still to be completed before the store is ready for customers.
Waitrose has yet to announce an official opening date.
The latest progress comes five months after Altrincham Today exclusively revealed that Waitrose would be taking over the former Asda store on Hale Road.
Asda closed the store on 31 July, just over two years after opening in May 2024.
Waitrose is investing a multimillion-pound sum in the refurbishment of the 15,000 sq ft premises as part of a wider £1 billion investment programme.
Existing Asda employees were set to transfer to Waitrose and become Partners, with additional roles also being created ahead of the opening.
The arrival of Waitrose will mark the end of an 18-year wait for the supermarket chain to establish a presence at Hale Barns Square.
Waitrose was originally earmarked as the anchor tenant for the redevelopment but pulled out in December 2008, subsequently opening a store at Stamford Brook in Broadheath.
When the redeveloped Square eventually opened in April 2015, northern supermarket chain Booths occupied the main unit.
However, Booths announced its departure in February 2024 after nine years, saying it could not see a future in which the store would be profitable under its business model.
Asda then took over the lease, investing a seven-figure sum in its own refurbishment before opening in May 2024.
Waitrose will therefore become the third supermarket to occupy the unit since the Square opened in 2015.
Speaking when the plans were first announced, David Donovan, Waitrose Regional Manager, said: "Opening in Hale Barns is an exciting opportunity for Waitrose and we'll offer the very best products and customer service for food lovers in the area."
The opening will add to Waitrose's existing local stores in Broadheath, Knutsford and Wilmslow.
