NEW housing developments in Altrincham will help to breathe new life into the town centre, says a business leader.

The town is being revitalised as firms move in to meet the needs of the new residents, according to Cliff Roberts, the chief executive of Greater Altrincham Chamber of Commerce, Trade and Industry.

Cliff will give his upbeat message to the chamber's annual general meeting on Monday. It comes after the chamber's membership increased by 95 - the biggest rise for 10 years.

Cliff said: "After a decade of uncertainty Altrincham has 'turned the corner'. New commercial and residential developments are regenerating the area and producing a greater buzz than we've had for a long time."

Approaching a dozen significant residential developments - from the prestigious Budenberg Gauge apartments in Broadheath to the new housing estate on Oakfield Road - are attracting a new generation of residents.

Cliff added: "The town centre will have to serve their needs. It is part of the same trend for town centre living that is taking place in major cities across the country."

The new Tesco supermarket and the £5.8 million eastern improvement route were the main 'catalysts for change' and, later this year, a gym, swimming pool and health club complex will open nearby. Planning permission has just been granted for a six-screen cinema.

Cliff continued: "We may not have seen the last of an ice rink in the area.

"The value of the township is going up, house prices are rising and some high-income residents are joining a home-owning figure which is the highest in Greater Manchester.

"It's therefore understandable that, in response to such commercial confidence and investment in the town, both national chains and local independent businesses are returning to serve the growing population of new customers that is moving onto the doorstep.

"I'm very optimistic for Altrincham and Sale - it won't be long before the toughest years are well behind us."