REGENERATION is the word on the street in Altrincham – and a new project is cementing that reputation.

Our Altrincham, a not-for-profit community organisation run by volunteers, is working to turn a nameless and run-down green space bordering Stamford New Road, Barrington Road and Stamford Street into an eye-catching ‘Welcoming Gateway’.

The project aims to promote Altrincham’s ‘unique identity, celebrate its rich industrial heritage, welcome visitors into the town and bring the site back into regular use as a public green space’.

The first phase is nearing completion, thanks to funding from a Trafford Partnership Voluntary Sector Grant. This enabled Our Altrincham to prepare the site, including the removal OF three overgrown trees. A large tree trunk will soon be carved by chainsaw artist Andy Burgess to reflect the town’s history and heritage and the trees will be replaced with three smaller, more suitable species.

The main collaborators are Art With A Heart and disabled artist, John Lockwood. However, the project seeks to involve as much of the community as possible. The project proposals include a linear display of historical information, a dynamic central statue, a living ‘Welcome to Altrincham’ sign, four new benches plus additional seating, a community notice board, litter bins and attractive landscaping and planting.

A public consultation will be held at Altrincham Arts and Heritage Centre (Art With A Heart) at 24 Stamford New Road on Sunday September 25, from 11am until 3pm. Members of the team will be presenting their draft proposals and encouraging visitors to ask questions and complete a survey so that their views can be taken into account as project planning progresses.

Funding for the remaining phases of the project will be sought once planning permission is obtained. It is hoped that some of it will be obtained from Heritage lottery funding.