A MAJOR foodstore is set to open in Altrincham next year - after council chiefs backed massive investment plans by Tesco.

The supermarket chain's ambitious scheme for a store on an 8.25 acre site should be completed by the end of the year 2000.

And its development of the area bounded by Moss Lane, Manor Road and Lloyd Street will trigger other town centre plans - including a leisure development, new road and a housing scheme.

Tesco beat off competition from other would-be developers to be chosen as the council's preferred tenderer for the site, which currently comprises derelict land, two car parks, some Railtrack land and a Royal Mail sorting office.

As well as a 79,000 square feet foodstore there will be 650 car parking spaces.

Council leader Cllr David Acton says: "This is a massive step forward for Altrincham town centre and the economic and community regeneration of Trafford.

"I have asked for urgent discussions to be held with developers of the sites both east and west of the railway to bring forward detailed plans to fulfil the commitments made for full consultation with the community before the planning application is considered."

A Tesco spokesman says: "We're delighted to be in a position to offer the people of Altrincham a new food store. The direct links to the town centre can only help both shoppers and the economy of Altrincham as a whole."

The decision on this key site will trigger developments including -

the eastern improvement route, which council chiefs say will improve traffic conditions throughout the town centre;

a new Royal Mail sorting office;

redevelopment of the former Welman Road gas works.

At this stage the council has decided not to dispose of its land immediately behind Altrincham railway station, as this will provide car parking during construction work. But it has been pinpointed for development at a later stage.

Commenting on Trafford selecting Tesco as its preferred tenderer for the redevelopment, a spokesman for British Gas property division said: "Confirmation of this important decision will help catalyse our own plans to redevelop the site of our former regional offices and operational control centre at Welman House, which is earmarked for a new Royal Mail sorting office and for housing, business and public open space."

A spokesman for Peel Developments adds: "The site for the new Tesco foodstore adjoins our proposed leisure development. The two schemes will complement each other and will assist the overall regeneration of Altrincham town centre.

"Peel is in detailed discussions with a number of key operators including a multiplex cinema, a health and fitness centre and a number of restaurant and cafe bar operations. Peel hopes to announce some significant prelets very shortly."

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