// House of Fraser former site in Altrincham is to be redeveloped into office-led mixed-use scheme
// The plans also include a 3660sq ft living wall in the central atrium and an external green wall
The House of Fraser unit in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, has been given the green light to be redeveloped into an office-led mixed-use scheme.
Trafford Council and Bruntwood Works have received planning permission to turn the building into 50,000sq ft of commercial workspace and 25,000sq ft of retail and leisure space on the ground and lower-ground floors.
The approved plans also include a 3660sq ft living wall in the central atrium and an external green wall.
READ MORE: What does the closure of House of Fraser’s London flagship mean for the UK high street?
A new two-storey extension will also be created. This will incorporate new terraces on the first floor and a new solar panel system on the roof.
A gym and wellness area, as well as cycle storage and showers, have also been added to the plans.
“The council has been at the forefront of the regeneration of the town centre in recent years including our work on the successful Market Quarter, public realm works and Altrincham Business Improvement District,” Trafford Council leader, Andrew Western said.
“The Rackhams building is close to the hearts of people who live in Altrincham and following close consultation with residents we will redevelop it to meet the needs of a modern town centre with a mix of workspace, retail and leisure.
“This project will help Altrincham become an even more successful town centre and I for one will be delighted to see it take shape.”
Bruntwood Works town centre and consumer brands director, Andrea George said: “Altrincham is already a town centre success story, bucking the story of decline that has defined so many of its peers around the country.
“The pandemic’s lasting impact on where people want to spend more time to work, shop and play locally means there is an opportunity to deepen and strengthen its offering.
“That’s what Foundation will do. It will give Altrincham all the ingredients that the high streets of tomorrow need.
“By blending premium workspaces, retail and leisure, we’re providing a new and much-needed amenity that complements the existing operators within Stamford Quarter and the wider town centre.”
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