“A much more attractive place to live, visit, shop, invest and enjoy.”
That’s the ambitious goal of a new round of public realm improvements recently proposed by Trafford Council – and you can have your say on them until September 30th.
Following the completion of work affecting certain areas of the town centre – such as the relaying of part of Stamford New Road – the new phase of improvements would affect George Street, Market Street, Groby Road, Regent Road and Moss Lane.
But this is no mere cosmetic surgery, the consultation document insists.
“This is not simply a resurfacing of the streets,” it says. “This project aims to transform the vehicle-dominated streets and spaces of the town centre into pedestrian-friendly environments that encourage footfall, engagement, dwell time and interaction.”
A key goal will be enhancing pedestrianised areas in order to slow down pedestrian movement on the likes of Market Street, Stamford New Road, Regent Road and George Street.
Another will reduce vehicle movement through the town centre in order to “transform vehicular dominated streets into pedestrian and cycle friendly streets”.
That could see the introduction of one-way sections on Stamford New Road and Regent Road and a reversed flow of traffic on Market Street.
Three “vehicle movement strategies” have been developed as part of the proposals, with their viability assessed using traffic simulation modelling undertaken by Transport for Greater Manchester.
Other changes include creating 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.
On Market Street, streets surrounding Market House would be improved, the one-way street between Regent Road and High Street would be reversed and a variety of other improvements.
The views of residents, businesses and town centre users are now being sought through a consultation led by LK Group, who have been appointed as project managers for the scheme.
Cllr James Wright, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration, said: “We’ve already seen an amazing transformation of Altrincham, from being labelled Britain’s biggest ghost town to becoming England’s champion high street. But we can’t rest on our laurels.
“We want to continue Altrincham’s regeneration to become a great place for shoppers, business owners and residents alike.”
Consultation boards will be displayed in Altrincham Library, Pott Street and The Contemporary Art Gallery on Stamford New Road. The consultation is also available for viewing at altrinchampublicspaces.commonplace.is.
