ALTRINCHAM residents and businesses will be able to vote in a referendum on ambitious plans for Altrincham town centre.

The referendum follows development of the Altrincham Town Centre Neighbourhood Business Plan, which has already been through a public consultation prior to being looked at by an independent examiner.

Proposals includes development of a main shopping area, new retail development, housing, car parking and community facilities.

Covering six areas including the old hospital site on Market Street and the Regent Road car park area, council chiefs say the plan will enable new development to further boost the town.

The old Altrincham Hospital site is being developed into a £20m Health and Well-being Centre. which will boast GP health services; a mix of community services and therapies; a pharmacy; and clinical suites and training areas, including a minor surgery suite.

A new Altrincham Library and Tourist Information Centre will also be opened on the Market Street site, which which has laid empty since services were relocated to the purpose-built Altrincham Hospital on Railway Street in 2015

Executive member for housing and strategic planning, Cllr David Hopps, said: “Trafford Council is determined to develop our town centres so that they are places people want to work, live and visit. Our town centres are pivotal to ensuring investment in the borough and the plan developed by the Altrincham Town Centre Neighbourhood Business Forum brings the right mixture of commercial, residential and community use to the area continuing the town’s thriving popularity.

“The plan has already been through public consultation and the examiner is now happy for us to put the final draft to residents and businesses to have their say on the plan being put into action.”

It is expected that the referendums will take place by the end of October this year with details of when and where it will take place to be publicised widely by Trafford Council.

*A NEW community volunteering initiative for Altrincham town centre has been launched.

Altrincham Hosts’ launch evening took place on June 23 at Altrincham Town Hall, giving residents the chance to find out about a variety of ways in which they can make a difference by volunteering at events and activities in the town.

Modelled on the successful Knutsford Hosts scheme, which has been running for three years and now has more than 85 volunteers, Altrincham Hosts aims to bring together enthusiastic residents and match their skills, talents and interests to the needs of Altrincham organisers, community groups and charities.