Contractor appointed for £70m Altair scheme

ERIC Wright Construction has been appointed as the main contractor for the £70m Altair leisure and retail scheme in Altrincham, near Manchester.

Nikal Developments has announced its engagement of the company for the project which includes 150 new homes, new restuarants, coffee shops, bars and other retail stores, while consent has also been granted for grade A offices.

Nikal was granted outline planning permission for the 4.5 acre Altair site in January 2014.

Detailed planning work is now underway and construction is due to progress now that the new £19m tram, train and bus Transport Interchange is complete and allows a direct link to the scheme via a new public walkway.

Eric Wright will shortly begin site preparation works prior to the first phase of construction, which is scheduled to start on receipt of planning in Spring 2016.

The first undertaking is a dramatic and iconic apartment scheme located opposite the town’s large Tesco superstore.

Fifty-nine high quality one and two bedroom apartments will be built, in addition to ground floor leisure retail space and a new entrance for the existing ice rink, which sits at the heart of the Altair scheme.

Nikal managing director Nick Payne said: “Eric Wright Construction has recently proved its capabilities on the smooth delivery of a high calibre mixed-use scheme in Hale Barns, just a few miles from Altrincham town centre.

“The firm’s portfolio is excellent, as is its reputation for delivering complex schemes efficiently, safely and with minimum inconvenience to the community surrounding a site. We are confident the company is best placed to help us realise our vision for Altair,” he added.

Altair has been developed by Nikal in close working partnership with Trafford Council and Altrincham Forward.

The scheme will complement a significant programme of improvement works currently underway in Altrincham to regenerate and rejuvenate the town centre, both commercially and aesthetically.

Eric Wright Construction managing director John Wilson added: “Altair will completely transform a prime town-centre plot and further strengthen its capabilities to generate significant inward investment.

“Altrincham is a hot spot for suburban living and has proven to be a popular commuter belt for city centre workers. We look forward to getting our teeth into the scheme and delivering a stunning contemporary end result that meets current and future needs.”