The redevelopment of the former Altrincham Rackhams site is still on track to be done by summer according to developer Bruntwood.

The Messenger was in attendance for a tour of 'Foundation' last week taken by Head of Commercial Sharon Johnson and Head of Retail James Tootle.

The former Altrincham Rackhams site closed in 2020 alongside dozens of other House of Fraser stores after the firm entered administration two years earlier.

In 2022, Trafford Council approved its redevelopment, including the addition of two storeys and the creation of a combination of commercial and retail space.

And last week developer Bruntwood said it is still on track to be done by summer.

Messenger Newspapers:

Only one of the occupants of 'Foundation' is confirmed up until now in the form of bar and bowling alley Lane7 on the lower ground floor, which is in line to open before Christmas this year. Ms Johnson and Mr Tootle were not to be drawn on the other occupants, but said there are talks with a number of businesses, both local and national, about the rest of the commercial and retail space.

A lot of the upper ground floor is set aside for bars and restaurants, while the rest of the site is set aside for offices.

Other features include a living wall containing tens of thousands of plants and cycle storage in an attempt to limit the environmental impact of the site and those who use it.

Bruntwood is also responsible for the redevelopment of Stretford Mall, also approved by Trafford Council in 2022, with work scheduled to start on phase one later this year.

A section of the roof of Stretford Mall is set to be removed and King Street is set to be reinstated as a high street with bars, restaurants, retailers and a market hall. 

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.