Plans to transform the landmark former Rackmans building in Altrincham town centre into a hub featuring workspace, hospitality and retail have been revealed.
Bruntwood Works and Trafford Council are leading the joint venture project which forms part of the future development of the Stamford Quarter.
The scheme marks Bruntwood Works’ first Pioneer building outside of the city centre and will bring the firm’s blend of workspace, retail and leisure to the heart of Altrincham.
The proposed plans, which are subject to planning permission, include a complete redesign of the ground floor, providing an opportunity for hospitality operators to take space that includes outdoor terraces on Stamford Square.
A focus on biophilia has also been introduced through a 340 sq m living wall that provides oxygen and helps reduce noise levels as it wraps around the building.
It will also see the once-loved store transformed into 37,500 sq ft of commercial workspace, with retail and hospitality operators to take 15,000 sq ft space on the ground and lower ground floors creating a unique arrival experience.
A two-storey extension and outdoor terraces on the first floor also feature in the plans.
Andrea George, town centre and consumer brands director at Bruntwood Works, said: "As a hugely successful destination in its own right, Altrincham already has all the ingredients for an even brighter future.
"We want to harness this by creating a blend of retail and leisure with premium workspaces that deliver greater opportunities for the community to come together in one central hub.
"The pandemic changed the way we interact with our high street, boosting local town centres and creating exciting opportunities to redevelop former department stores for new uses.
"We’re confident the transformation of the former Rackhams store will be a gamechanger for the town and prove an attractive proposition for those looking for workspace outside of the city centre, whilst providing a new and much-needed amenity that complements the existing operators within Stamford Square."
Cllr Andrew Western, leader of Trafford Council, added: "Trafford Council is proud of the work it has carried out to help make Altrincham the fabulous and successful centre it is today. We are committed to creating successful and thriving places and having pride in all of our areas across the borough.
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"This development would provide a further boost to Altrincham town centre and transform the former Rackhams store into a sustainable and green workspace hub with first-class retail and leisure facilities."
