Nikal seeks approval for first Altair resi block
Plans are in for the first phase of Nikal Developments’ £70m Altair scheme in Altrincham town centre, a 59-apartment scheme at the gateway to the site on Moss Lane.
The block will be built opposite the Tesco superstore, and will be a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments with leisure and retail space on the lower floors.
Integrated into the scheme is a new entrance for the ice rink and landscaped public realm to include outside seating for a café.
Nikal will be using its Hillcrest Homes brand to deliver the building alongside main contractor, Eric Wright Construction. Work is scheduled to start in spring 2016.
The building was designed by Stephenson Studio and SimpsonHaugh & Partners.
Nikal was granted outline planning permission for the 4.5-acre Altair 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.
Nick Payne, managing director of Nikal, said: “It will be a pleasure to start work on Altair. The town is enjoying a renaissance and we’re seeing so many positive changes, both commercially and aesthetically.
“This first building at Altair will set the highest of standards for the rest of the scheme. We are delighted that Michael Kennedy and his team at Hillcrest Homes will be delivering this first project.
“Whilst Altair will see continued development of each phase over the next few years, I have no doubt that the keen homeowner and investor will realise that a purchase in the first residential building will be seen as a real coup.”
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.
Surely a frontrunner for the carbuncle cup, if constructed?
By Lee
Needs to be lower, longer and red brick to match the local venacular. Enough of a mess has been made in Alty already.
By Alty local
A design with one thought in mind and with no consideration to the area – profit. Shame on Trafford for partnering and welcoming such an unsightly design.
By Seb
This is precisely the sort of modern landmark Altrincham needs. The town centre currently looks very dour and dated in parts and the shopping precinct with its maze of samey, lowrise, 80s red brick architecture is particularly dispiriting. This will be a positive change.
By L B
Looks like a Travelodge,but Altrincham should be one place that will cash in on Devolution,because it is a featureless dormitory town,which Southerners will live in,because it looks like the places near Croydon,or Harrow and isn’t too Northern.
By Elephant