Trafford delays Grafton Centre refresh 

Having been on the cusp of pulling the trigger on plans to revamp the Altrincham retail complex prior to the pandemic, the authority is now planning a “partial redevelopment” in 2025/26. 

A report to Trafford Council’s executive states that “a comprehensive redevelopment around the existing tenants would be a substantial, complex and expensive process”. 

By commissioning a future feasibility study for the partial redevelopment of the Grafton Centre in 2025/26, the council hopes to “further understand the emerging town centre trends, and the broader economic recovery post-pandemic”, the report states. 

Since shelving the plans to redevelop the site, Trafford has appointed Oakfield Asset Management to manage the centre and has enjoyed some successes. 

These include £75,000 worth of cosmetic improvements and various lettings. Overall, the centre’s net property income has increased by £105,000 as a result of active asset management, the report states.

However, over the last three financial years, the complex has made losses of £26,000, £234,000, and £122,000. 

The council projects an £8,000 loss for 2022/23 before a return to profit in 2023/24. 

Going forward, Trafford will incorporate “flexibility for redevelopment into any new leases” and commission a feasibility study on the potential to convert unused space within the Grafton Centre into homes. 

Trafford Council was close to appointing a joint venture between Bruntwood and Novo Property Group to revamp the 80,000 sq ft Grafton Centre but pulled the plug on the plan when Covid hit.  

Trafford acquired the Grafton Centre, which includes a 91-bedroom hotel run by operator Travelodge, for £10.8m in February 2018.   

Travelodge’s lease on the building runs until 2037.  

In 2019, the council acquired another of the borough’s retail assets, Stretford Mall, which it is redeveloping in a joint venture with Bruntwood.