The large-scale regeneration of Altrincham town centre will continue when work on two luxury apartment blocks and a multi-storey car park begins in two weeks’ time.

Contractors for local development company Citybranch are building the 70 apartments and 300- space car park on the corner of Regent Road and New Street.

Work on the scheme, which also includes a restaurant, commercial space and new public square with landscaped garden and seating, is due to begin on Monday, October 7.

Members of Trafford Council’s planning and development management committee approved the scheme by nine votes to one at a meeting at the Town Hall in March earlier this year.

The development is called Chapel Square in recognition of the fact that it was the site of Chapel Street, named the ‘the bravest little street in England’ by King George V after its valiant role in the First World War. From just 60 or so terraced houses, 161 men had enlisted, with many killed on the battlefield.

Cllr James Wright, Trafford Council Executive member for Housing and Regeneration, said: “The Chapel Square development is the latest scheme marking the redevelopment and regeneration of Altrincham town centre. The high-quality development will not only improve the area, but provide much-needed new housing in the centre of Altrincham.

“The scheme will bring more people into the town centre to live, which will add to both the daytime and night-time economy and ultimately benefit the overall economy of the town. It will certainly invigorate George Street, Regent Road and Lloyd Square.”

The site is currently home to the 147-space Regent Road car park which will be closed and redeveloped as part of the works which are due to last 15 months. Of the 300 spaces in the new multi-storey car park, 223 will go back to Trafford Council – a 50 per cent increase on the current number. In the meantime, while the car park is closed, there is alternative car parking is available at Goose Green multi-storey car park, Oakfield Road, Sainsbury’s and Tesco.

The development will also include large-scale highway improvements to nearby Railway Street to help increase access to Chapel Square and Altrincham Hospital.