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TOWN PROFILE: ALTRINCHAM

The on-going economic success of Manchester is not only regenerating the city, but also its proud and historic satellite towns, which are reaping the benefits of investment and confidence. The North West, one of the cradles of the Industrial Revolution, is now back in business. Altrincham is one of a handful of up-and-coming towns in the region.

OVERVIEW

Altrincham is a flourishing market town in Greater Manchester, eight miles south west of Manchester city centre.

Its prosperity in the 18th and 19th centuries was based on its transport links, including the Bridgewater Canal and then the advent of the railways, and it is the same today. The town is only a 10-minute drive from Manchester Airport, which boasts direct flights across the world, including South East Asia. It is also easily accessed by tram, with the Metrolink Exchange in the heart of the town, rail (Manchester is just half an hour away), and car, with the M56 within two miles.

The town centre, which still features traditional markets five days a week, is thriving. The £70 million Stamford Quarter, one of the main shopping areas, contains major high street names such as Boots, Waterstones, Debenhams, H&M and Next. Altrincham also boasts the only ice rink in Greater Manchester and a five-screen cinema.

The redevelopment of the old hospital site within the Historic Market Quarter is creating a Health and Wellbeing Centre with an improved Library and public square and will be completed this year. This will complement the recent investment in refurbishing the historic Market House which was finished in 2014, providing a high quality food and drink offer. Meanwhile the Trafford Centre, one of the premier shopping destinations in the north of England, is only five miles away.

Average house price (Zoopla, January 2019): £486,700


KEY FACTS

Location: South of the River Mersey, Altrincham is located 8 miles southwest of Manchester city centre, 3 miles southwest of Sale, and 10 miles east of Warrington.

Transport: Altrincham can be easily accessed by train, car (the M56 is within two miles), and tram, with the Metrolink Exchange located in the heart of the town.

Population: There has been a steady increase in Altrincham's middle classes since the 19th century. At the 2011 Census, it had a population of 52,419.

Investment: Recent investment in refurbishing the historic Market House which was finished in 2014, providing a high quality food and drink offer.