Altair CPO goes to inquiry
A MAJOR redevelopment scheme in Altrincham could be delayed by a Government inquiry into a compulsory purchase order (CPO) issued by Trafford Borough Council.
The council issued the CPO in December 2009 to acquire two buildings – the Bridge Inn and tyre retailer ATS Euromaster on Oakfield Road – to enable the £100m Altair scheme to go ahead.
Manchester-based developer Nikal, which is developing Altair in a joint venture with Trafford Council, says the five-acre project will create more than 2,000 jobs.
It includes retail space, 30 apartments, 100,000 sq ft of Grade A offices, a 125-bedroom hotel and a new ice rink. It had hoped to start on site this spring and have the first phase by next summer.
It is understood that the Bridge Inn’s owner, Manchester-based Petros, and ATS Euromaster objected to the CPO. Neither party was willing to comment on the inquiry.
In a statement Trafford Council’s corporate director for economic growth and prosperity Nick Gerrard, said: “I am pleased we now have a date for this inquiry as this means we are one step closer to being able to secure key parts of this scheme and a hugely exciting development for Altrincham.”
The inquiry is to take place on Tuesday June 28 at Trafford Town Hall and is expected to last for two days. A decision is expected by September. Trafford Council is advised by Drivers Jonas Deloitte and Nabarro.
