Contractor named on Altair
Nikal Developments has appointed Eric Wright Construction to build the £70m Altair project, more than a decade after it was named preferred developer by Trafford Council on the 4.5-acre mixed-use scheme in Altrincham.
Nikal was granted outline planning permission for the site along Moss Lane and Oakfield Road in January 2014. The scheme next to the new transport interchange will include a 43,000 sq ft leisure centre, 96,000 sq ft of retail and restaurants, coffee shops and cafes, a 7,400 sq ft bowling alley, 150 apartments and townhouses, and 35,000 sq ft of office space and a car park.
Planning consent for a scheme twice the size was granted in 2008. Nikal subsequently bought out the interest of joint venture partner David McLean following its collapse into administration as the financial crisis hit.
Detailed planning work is now underway for specific elements of the scheme, and Nikal said that construction is due to progress following the completion of the £19m tram, train and bus transport interchange.
Eric Wright Construction is due to shortly commence site preparation works prior to the first phase of construction, which is scheduled to start on receipt of planning in spring 2016.
The first phase will be a 59-apartment block opposite the Tesco superstore. The building will include ground floor leisure and retail space and a new entrance for the existing ice rink, which is in the centre of the Altair scheme.
Nick Payne, managing director of Nikal, said: “Eric Wright Construction has recently proved its capabilities on the smooth delivery of a high-calibre mixed-use scheme in Hale Barns, just a few miles from Altrincham town centre.
“The firm’s portfolio is excellent, as is its reputation for delivering complex schemes efficiently, safely and with minimum inconvenience to the community surrounding a site. We are confident the company is best placed to help us realise our vision for Altair.”
Altair has been developed by Nikal in partnership with Trafford Council and Altrincham Forward.
The agents for Altair are Cheetham & Mortimer for leisure and retail, Metis for leisure, and Hillcrest Homes for residential.
Oh my word. I never thought I would see the day this has been around since I was a lad!
By Bob Dawson
CGI image could be of Altrincham town centre already. What is the point of repeating the same offer 200 yards away?
By Jim
Agree that this is too repetitive. Big struggle to fill the shops already there, and the town centre is too large and sprawling as it is. Focus on the town centre for retail/cafes and revive that first. The recent Waitrose, Asda, move of McDonalds etc to the retail park has not helped at all…
By Alty local