TRAFFORD Council has struck a deal with an Altrincham developer that will see Clarendon House transformed into 60 apartments.

On Monday, members of the executive committee approved extending the current lease on the Stamford New Road building to 250 years.

Lunar is the leaseholder of the largely-vacant office building, which is home to retail units on the ground floor and the town’s library on the first floor.

Trafford Council is the freeholder of the building.

The proposal largely leaves the existing building as it is, with some re-cladding to the upper floors and a “glass box” rooftop extension.

Cllr James Wright, protfolio holder for regeneration and planning, explained that an amendment to the lease was necessary for Lunar to bring the development forward.

“This would not be possible under the terms of the existing and shorter

duration headlease of 125 years, ” he said.

“An offer to acquire the freehold was made by Lunar last month.

“However,  this offer was not accepted as disposal of the site is not aligned with the council’s investment strategy where we are seeking a revenue return.”

Cllr Nathan  Evans was concerned how long it would be until the development ‘moved along’.

While Cllr Raymond Bowker welcomed the proposals.

However, the council said the agreement was subject to Lunar marketing and assessing potential bidders for the scheme ‘in a way that minimises risk’, with developers needing to show proof of funds to purchase and develop the building.

Other projects under way include above the former Dili restaurant, which is being converted into apartments by developer Novo.

In addition, the same firm is planning to convert the former Myersons Solicitors office on Regent Road into homes.