MULTI-MILLION pound plans for the 'Altair' site in Altrincham town centre have been put forward.

Altrincham-based  developer Nikal has submitted an application for the second phase of the £70m development on the Oakfield Road site.


The second phase proposes four buildings made up of 91 apartments, shops, offices and a basement car park for 200 cars.


Last year, planning chiefs gave the green light to the £15m first phase of the scheme - the gateway' part of the development that comprises an eight storey block built containing 59 apartments.

 
A new leisure centre will also be included in a further phase of the development on land currently used as a 250-space car park.


A planning document said this was “an opportunity to develop a current vacant site with a view to creating design of exceptional quality, which will positively contribute to its unique setting and provide an enhancement to its gateway setting."


Two of the four blocks would house the two and three bedroom apartments. Block one, over six floors, would have 47 flats, and block two 44 apartments over seven floors
Block three is a non-residential building. It accommodates commercial and retail units over three floors, while block four is a two storey retail unit that is located to the immediate east of the ice rink.

 
The residential element is complemented by 44,000 sq ft of leisure retail space and 20,000 sq ft of offices.

 
The plans also include a new entrance for Altrincham Ice Rink and a pedestrianised area with outside seating and pavement cafés. The planning document says the landscaping will provide “a significant public realm that will become the 'beating heart' of the development.”


Nikal managing director, Nick Payne, said: “We’re excited to be sharing our vision for Altair as a dynamic and thriving new quarter in modern Altrincham. Phase Two reveals how Altair will complement the town’s existing offering and help attract new residents, workers, businesses, shoppers and visitors from near and far.

 
“Its an exciting time for Altrincham. The town centre is evolving and it has already become a popular place to live, work and socialise.

 
"This stylish new quarter will provide high quality but affordable new homes where values will appreciate as well as create exciting new opportunities for retailers, leisure providers and businesses looking for superior commercial space with unrivalled transport links and amenities."


Preliminary work on the 4.5 acre town centre site commenced earlier this year, with demolition and enabling works underway to allow for the construction of phase one.
The application is at publicaccess.trafford.gov.uk/online-applications/. Deadline for comments is February 27.