Nikal/McLean win £150m Altrincham consent

Altair, the proposed £150m redevelopment of Altrincham town centre by Nikal and David McLean, has been approved by Trafford council.

The pair will create 200,000 sq ft of fashion retail as well as 60,000 sq ft of offices, 140 flats, 40,000 sq ft of bars and restaurants, an extreme sports centre and a hotel. A permanent replacement for the town's ice rink will also be built.

Nick Payne, managing director of Nikal, said: "Not only will Altair regenerate a currently under-developed part of the town centre, but it will also put Altrincham on the map as a quality shopping and leisure destination in its own right.

"For example, the scheme provides key amenities currently missing from the area, such as a 135-bedroom luxury hotel, as well as high quality restaurants and grade A offices. "

David McLean/Nikal was chosen by Trafford as preferred developer in 2004. Construction will begin in 2009, with the development scheduled for completion in 2013.