Think-tank steers way ahead for Altrincham (From Messenger Newspapers)

Altrincham Forward plots town's resurgence

3:42pm Tuesday 28th February 2012 in News

A GROUP set up to revitalise Altrincham is drawing up its bleprint for the town.

Last year Trafford Council led the establishment of Altrincham Forward – a working think-tank of businesses, community groups, local residents and others to drive the transformation of the town centre.

The Altrincham Forward board and the council have commissioned an in-depth study of the town and used it as the foundation for a proposed Altrincham Plan, due for completion later this year.

Cllr Matt Colledge, leader of the council, said: “Altrincham is poised to move into an exciting new era for the town. This year will mark the beginning of changes that will secure the long term future of Altrincham as one of the north west’s most successful modern market towns.

"It is an excellent business location, offering good transport links, available space and access to a skilled workforce.

"Altrincham could be an exemplar project for the government’s Portas initiative and we will certainly be bidding to be one of the Portas pilots."

Nick Gerrard, Trafford’s corporate director for economic growth and prosperity said: “We are reorganising how we work so there are staff with responsibility for Altrincham and a dedicated point of contact. It is the basis for a 'town team' and can be a blueprint to be used in other areas of Trafford.”