The old department store shut down in 2018 but will now be converted and extended to provide 50,000 sq ft of commercial workspace, and 25,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space.
Once the work is completed, the building will be the first regional Pioneer building, part of a £100m programme.
ADVERTISEMENT
It’s hoped that Foundation will encourage more people to visit the heart of Altrincham town centre, supporting the long-term growth of the local economy.
Plans for the Foundation building. Credit: Supplied
The plans that have now been approved include space for a cafe, restaurant and retail on the ground floor, spilling out into Stamford Square.
Elsewhere, there will be a gym and wellness area and extensive storage for bikes, hoping to encourage a cycling commute.
ADVERTISEMENT
A 340 sq m living wall in the atrium, and an external green wall, with feed into Bruntwood’s biophilia vision, connection people and nature while reducing noise levels.
The building will also have its insulation and airtightness improved to make it more sustainable.
The former Rackhams and House of Fraser building. Credit: Google Maps
A new two-storey extension is set to be added on to the old Rackhams building, with new terraces and a solar panel system on the roof.
The vision is for Stamford Square to become a focal point for Altrincham’s existing high street.
Cllr Andrew Western, leader of Trafford Council, said: “Trafford Council has carried out a huge amount of work in Altrincham and we are very proud of what we have achieved.
ADVERTISEMENT
Plans for Stamford Square. Credit: Bruntwood Works
“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.
“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.”
Andrea George, town centre and consumer brands director at Bruntwood Works, 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.
ADVERTISEMENT
“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.
“We can’t wait to see Foundation take shape and underpin this new chapter for Altrincham.”
Featured image: Supplied
Property
Greater Manchester city named UK’s ‘loneliest’ with highest percentage of people living alone
Emily Sergeant
One of Greater Manchester’s cities has been named the ‘loneliest’ in the UK, according to the number of single occupants.
Living alone used to be seen as somewhat of a short-term ‘phase’, often between living in family homes or house shares, but today it’s a completely different story, as solo living is fast becoming a defining feature of urban Britain.
From high-rise studio flats, to compact commuter apartments, single-occupancy living is reshaping the character of many UK cities.
While for some, living alone simply represents independence and flexibility, for others it’s more a case of necessity – with wider demographic data apparently showing single-occupancy linked to student populations, delayed family formation, career mobility, and rising house prices that make shared living less practical.
But, with all things considered then, which towns and cities in the UK have the most solo occupants? The ‘loneliest’ cities, if you will.
A new study by Tarotoo set out to identify where solo living is most concentrated across the UK, with researchers analysing 58 cities, examining the number of studio and one-bedroom homes listed for sale or rent per 10,000 residents using Rightmove data – and it was Salford that came out on top.
Salford has been named the UK’s ‘loneliest’ with the highest percentage of people living alone / Credit: Hilverd Reker (via Wikimedia Commons)
That’s right, Salford tops the ranking with a striking 158.08 single-occupancy homes per 10,000 people, which is more than double the figure of the city in second place, and also vastly ahead of the national average.
The city’s rapid regeneration over the past decade, particularly around MediaCity and the wider Greater Manchester area, is said to be a huge contributing factor it in taking the top spot, as this has driven a boom in purpose-built apartments.
In fact, according to ONS data, Salford has seen one of the fastest rates of population growth among young professionals in the North West.
Other northern cities in the top 20 include Lancaster and Leeds, at fourth and fifth place respectively, and outside the top 20 is where you’ll find other northern cities like Liverpool, Chester, York, and Sheffield – with Manchester itself coming in at number 39 on the list.
At the opposite end of the ranking, Newport records just 2.59 single-occupancy homes per 10,000 people, which is the lowest figure in the study, and it’s then followed by Glasgow (3.29), Swansea (3.78), Dundee (4.33), and Stoke-on-Trent (4.51).
Featured Image – Patrick Perkins (via Unsplash)
Property
Inside the £1m historic terrace for sale on one of Greater Manchester’s most sought-after streets
Emily Sergeant
A Grade II-listed property forming part of one of Greater Manchester’s most historic and sought-after rows has gone on the market.
And if you happen to have £1 million you’re willing to part with, then it could be yours.
Now, of course, as we always say before we write about these stunning homes, it goes without saying that the vast majority of us won’t have this kind of money just chilling in bank accounts right now, but if like us, you’ve got no shame in admitting you love looking at houses you can’t afford in places you’ll probably never live, then allow us to introduce you to this absolute beauty.
This five-bedroom end terraced property sits pretty on The Downs – which is by far one of the most recognisable row of houses in Altrincham – and it’s wrapped in the distinguished architecture of the 1830s, both on the outside and the inside.
With accommodations beautifully arranged over four floors, estate agents describe the home as being simply ‘exceptional’.
Benefitting from being just a stone’s throw from the thriving market town of Altrincham and everything that makes it so beloved, as well being only a 10-minute stroll to Hale village, this Grade II-listed gem manages to blend contemporary comfort with the timeless elegance of its historic 19th century surroundings.
Some of the property’s stand-out features have to be – and trust us, it’s hard to narrow down – the open-plan lounge and dining space that flows seamlessly into the stylish kitchen, and outside to the private outdoor terrace, and an additional enclosed walled garden.
There’s three generous-sized double bedrooms on the first floor of the home, while the attic level houses a tranquil en-suite escape at the top.
This £1m historic terrace is for sale on one of Greater Manchester’s most sought-after rows / Credit: Clifford Saunt Homes
The newly converted basement level provides an ‘impressive’ extra dimension to the home, according to estate agents, as well as the fifth and final bedroom – ideal for guests.
And, of course, the location of the home itself is a huge selling point for prospective buyers.
Altrincham is often named as being one of the best places to live in the UK, and for being perfect for families, in particular, thanks to its easy access to a wide range of amenities, excellent local schooling options, transport links into Greater Manchester and beyond, and for having green spaces on the doorstep.
This property is currently on the market with Altrincham-based estate agents, Clifford Saunt Homes, for Offers Over £1 million, and if you fancy taking a closer look, then you can contact the agents to arrange a viewing.
Or you could just take the cheaper route instead and have a nosy at the Rightmove link here.
Daisy Jackson -
21st January 2022 
