More public realm improvements afoot in Altrincham
A consultation on the next stage of a project to revamp the town centre’s public spaces to create a pedestrian-focused environment is open.
The scheme is being headed up by Trafford Council, project manager LK Group and landscape architect Planit-IE.
Plans revolve around George Street, Market Street and Groby Road, Moss Lane and Regent Road.
If further funding is available, Stamford New Road and Barrington Road will also be targeted.
The aims of the scheme include:
- Creating gateway spaces that celebrate the arrival to the town centre
- Improving the experience of all users by making the streets and spaces environments that people want to spend time in
- Introducing more trees and planting into the town centre and highlight the key architectural assets through sympathetic lighting at night
- Continuing the palette of quality robust materials that are fit for purpose and contribute to the character of Altrincham
- De-cluttering streets and spaces to improve the user experience and improve legibility and access through the public realm
- Slowing vehicles to create a more balanced streetscape through the use of alternative traffic management solutions, while also aiming to improve traffic flow within the town
- Creating a vibrant environment where independent businesses can thrive alongside major retail chains
- Creating a more legible and accessible town centre though improved wayfinding for all users.
This package of work will build upon the success of the public realm improvements already made in Altrincham, the council said.
Improvements to Goose Green, New Road South, Cross Street, Shaw’s Road have already completed. Greenwood Street and Pott Street close to Altrincham Market have also been revamped.
Cllr James Wright, Trafford Council’s executive member for housing and regeneration, said: “We’ve already seen an amazing transformation of Altrincham 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.”
The rich in Altrincham probably pay the most tax (not talking about the tax dodgers) in the hole of Manchester and yet there roads are the worst, spend the money on them instead
By Luke
1 …. improve & repair existing road surfaces before cosmetic changes.
2 …. ensure roads to be used for additional traffic can cope with the increase, especially heavy duty vehicles
3. …. increased traffic at traffic lights at Regent Rd/A56 junction will cause greater conjestion on A56 backing up existing traffic queues.
By Mrs F V Haig
The main high street improvements are already looking shabby and the Council are doing nothing about utility companies who come and dig up the street then don’t replace it as they found it.
The design above looks way to congested and cluttered as well. Surely we should be creating as much open space as possible in shopping areas in the current climate. Reduce the amount of seating
By Steve
Ridiculously oversized planters which will just cost ££ to maintain (and pick up the litter that will probably be thrown in them). Don’t understand why pedestrians are being funnelled to the outer edges of the walkway. As other people have mentioned, aren’t we supposed to be maintaining a safe distance not just now but in the future? These proposals will only create congestion (not everyone walks at the same pace) and obstructions from wheelchairs, pushchairs etc. Money could (and should) be spent better elsewhere.
By Major Grump
In light of these times it will make social distancing more difficult forcing pedestrians walking between shops into two narrow strips unless you want to zig zag through the planting. Human nature is to take the most direct route between points A and B.
By James
Would be nice if the council considered other areas of Trafford too…
By Trafford Resident
And when this all happens where is everyone going to park without it costing an arm snd a leg, may one ask. Bt the time you’ve paid parking you’ll not have any money left to spend unless its for a coffee. Perhaps that’s what this is…a glorified coffee shop for the well off !! Forget the not so well offs. They’re not being catered for here!!!
By Trafford resident
Looks great and despite the success of Altrincham this is really needed in parts of the town centre which still need attention. Well done to Trafford council.
By XY
Why is Sale not having the standard of improvement that Altrincham is having? We are paying Trafford council tax.
By Gary
Altrincham again being better treated than other Trafford areas?Why?
By Bob
Whilst the changes look good visually, space to move freely, without congestion, and at distance form others doesn’t seem to have been fully considered. Spending money on improvements to Altrincham should focus on attracting permanant retailers into empty units to improve the shopping experience. The argument that a centre has to be either a leisure/food destination OR a retail destination is old hat and, for residents who want to shop local, a leisure destination is no good when you need to go shopping. Reduce parking rates, reduce rent on units, attract better retailers and support them to flourish alongside the bars and cafes.
And yes – provide other areas in Trafford with investment too.
By Sarah
It will be a welcome improvement to this part of the town, however it’s disappointing to see some of the stone sets already completed dug up and replaced with tarmac. I hope they will be replaced and future maintenance is properly considered to maintain the quality, otherwise what’s the point?
By M