Overhaul of Altrincham’s Rackhams completes 

Bruntwood and Trafford Council have converted the building into Foundation, a 75,000 sq ft workspace and leisure destination in the town centre.

The redeveloped Rackhams department store in Altrincham’s Stamford Quarter features 50,000 sq ft of flexible office space and 25,000 sq ft of ground floor commercial. Last year marketing firm Sportfive signed a 10-year lease on 13,600 sq ft of the workspace.

Lane7 will operate an eight-lane bowling alley at the scheme and Starbucks is also signed up.

Bruntwood and Trafford Council hope Foundation will inject more life into Altrincham’s day and nighttime economy.

“Working alongside Trafford Council to breathe life back into the Stamford Quarter has been a rewarding and unique experience and one we’re excited to share with local residents, businesses and visitors,” said Sharon Johnson, head of commercial at Bruntwood.

“Our vision has always been to create a destination where both businesses and communities can collaborate, socialise and add to Altrincham’s existing vibrant culture.”

The scheme features a 4,000 sq ft living biophilic wall on the building’s external façade, made up of 36,000 plants grown by I Want Plants in South Manchester.

Sportfive has signed a 10-year lease on 13,600 sq ft within Foundation. Credit: via Citypress

Adding thermal insulation, improving air tightness, replacing the gas heating system with heat pumps, and introducing solar panels have brought the building’s EPC rating up to an A.

Designed by BDP, Foundation is part of Bruntwood and Trafford Council’s Stamford Quarter regeneration project, which aims to improve the public realm and transform the area into a mixed-use destination.

“Trafford Council is totally committed to improving and updating our town centres and this excellent work in Altrincham proves just that,” said Cllr Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council.

“Working alongside our partners Bruntwood, we have transformed the centre of Altrincham and the Stamford Quarter with the completion of Foundation. This will be a fantastic addition to Altrincham and the surrounding community.”