Transformation of former Bowdon hotel given the green light

Trafford Council has approved planning permission for a joint venture scheme to transform the former Mercure Hotel in Bowdon.

Altrincham’s Patrick Properties and the McGoff Group partnered to create a new joint venture to deliver the scheme and submitted a planning application in June last year.

The JV said the historic Hydro building and Hawthorn Lea villas would be retained. The plans include the demolition of the conjoined buildings and the introduction of six stylish townhouses and six apartments, sympathetic to the setting.

The development will also provide a children’s day nursery with 95 places and a state-of-the-art 53-bed care facility, creating an innovative multi-generational hyperlocal community which brings young and old together.

Following last night’s (January 19) approval, Jordan Kennedy, director at Patrick Properties, said: “We are delighted to have received planning consent for the former Mercure Hotel site in Bowdon, which will be transformed from its current state into an innovative multi-generational hyperlocal community, bringing old and young together.

“It is a true regeneration project in a highly desirable location that will benefit all ages. Furthermore, it will be delivered by two well established Altrincham-based businesses working in partnership and will create local employment, too.”

Chris McGoff, director at McGoff Group, said: “We were hopeful that the planning department at Trafford would support this scheme and are thrilled with yesterday’s decision.

“With planning permission now granted, we are looking forward to making a start on site, working in harmony with all our local stakeholders.

“Having just delivered a similar scheme in Lymm, we are confident the ethos of this development will prove popular, and that our state-of-the-art care home, day nursery and boutique collection of townhouses and apartments will be in huge demand.”

He added: “With financial contributions from the developer of circa £2,000,000 towards healthcare and affordable housing in the locality, the development will also provide a tangible regeneration and social impact, whilst also positively contributing to the local health economy.

“The provision of a much needed, fit-for-purpose, hospital-grade and environmentally sound care facility acts as a successful intervention mechanism to reduce unnecessary GP visits, whilst generally helping their service and providing an outlet of support for the local NHS hospital, too.

“Our intergenerational approach to child care and care of the elderly is pioneering on a national level, and of significant interest worldwide, too.”