A SHOPPING centre in the heart of Altrincham is seeking proposals from planners and architects to redevelop the site.

The Grafton Centre, located at the southern end of the pedestrianised George Street, is home to a 91-bed, seven-storey Travelodge, has been closed since 2016.

The Council acquired the shopping precinct in February 2018, and are now inviting interested parties to submit 'visionary' ideas to revive it.

The Council did not disclose how much they paid for the Grafton Centre, but the property was valued at over £6million prior to the purchase.

Leader of the Council Andrew Western commented: “We were always clear that acquiring the Grafton Centre was just the start of a process to bring forward an exciting and unique opportunity to reshape a key part of the town centre.

"We are excited to see what ideas come forward and look forward to consulting on these, so we get a scheme we can all enjoy and be proud of."

The shopping complex, built in the 1970s, has lost its appeal to shoppers in recent years. The Council now view the site as crucial in continuing their on-going regeneration of the town centre.

The Council are seeking 'visionary but workable ideas' to 'breathe new life into the centre', as well as making a 'positive contribution to the town'.

Given its prominent location in Altrincham, the site has the potential to attract further investment into the town.

Altrincham is cited as a case study both nationally and further afield for successful town centre regeneration and the Grafton Centre redevelopment is seen as a key part of the next phase in the Council's Altrincham masterplan.

A Council spokesman said: "Proposals for the centre will need to compliment recent and proposed developments in the immediate vicinity, including the opening of the new Altrincham Health and Wellbeing Hub and a new public library due in October."

Trafford Council, working with their property advisers Amey Consulting, are now inviting expressions of interest, which need to be submitted by October, 26.