Plans in for next stage of £70m Altair

A planning application has been submitted by Nikal for the second stage of development at the £70m Altair site in Altrincham.

The first phase of Altair was granted planning permission by Trafford Council last year, with Eric Wright starting on site with the construction of 59 apartments and ground floor leisure units. The scheme is due for completion in December 2017.

The planning application for the second stage is proposing four buildings made up of 91 apartments, retail units, offices, basement car park for 200 cars and associated plantrooms.

Stephenson Studio is the architect; the planner is HOW.

Nikal was granted outline planning permission for the 4.15-acre Altair site in January 2014. On completion, the development 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.

Nikal’s phase one plans for Altair also include a new entrance for Altrincham Ice Rink and a landscaped pedestrianised area with space for outside seating and pavement cafés.

Planning consent for a project 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.

Altair has been developed by Nikal in partnership with Trafford Council and Altrincham Forward.