PHASE two of the multi-million pound Altair development has been given the green light by planning chiefs.

Trafford's planning committee has granted consent for developer Nikal to proceed with the second phase of the £70m scheme in Altrincham town centre.

Councillors approved plans for the construction of four contemporary style buildings housing 85 apartments, 44,000 sq ft of leisure retail space and 18,000 sq ft of office accommodation on a 4.5 acre plot off Oakfield Road and Moss Lane.

Described as the ‘beating heart’ of Altair, thee will also be a central boulevard that provides a direct link between the new Quarter and the Transport Interchange as well as an attractive leisure space in which residents, workers and visitors can dine, socialise and relax.

Nick Payne, managing director at Nikal said: “We’re delighted with the council’s decision. This second phase realises our ambitions for Altair as a thriving new Quarter within Altrincham that will bring new residents, businesses and visitors to the town.

“Altair will reconnect the high street with the areas of residential housing to the east and will complement the fantastic efforts made by the council, residents groups and other businesses and investors to rebuild Altrincham as a modern market town. It will leave an exemplary legacy for this and future generations."

Work on Phase One, an apartment building with 59 one and two bedroom apartments and ground floor retail space, began earlier this year with demolition of the existing buildings. Nikal’s contractors, Eric Wright Construction, are scheduled to start the main works this autumn

Apartments within ‘Altair One’ were released to the market by appointed agents Gascoigne Halman on July 1 with more than 30 per cent already sold. One-bedroom apartments are priced from £158,750 and two-bedroom apartments are priced from £261,250.