The demolition of two Trafford Council-owned buildings will commence shortly, paving the way for Altrincham’s £100m Altair development.

Oakfield House and the former Nationwide Auto Centre on Oakfield Road will be knocked down as the first step towards developing the five-acre site.

The site, predominantly owned by Trafford Council, is being developed in partnership with developer Nikal and will deliver just under 100,000 sq ft of office space, a 125-bed hotel, 72,000 sq ft of retail space and 7,000 sq ft of leisure space. The town’s ice rink will also be redeveloped.

The scheme is being considered by Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust as one of two possible locations for the new Altrincham General Hospital. An announcement is expected in November 2010.

Trafford Council’s planning development control committee approved the scheme’s outline planning application in February 2010.

Nikal managing director Nick Payne said: “The demolition of these buildings is where we hope Altrincham General Hospital will be built if we win the tender.

“The development will be the catalyst for the renaissance of Altrincham, leading to a permanent ice rink, offices, hotel and shopping, as well as the proposed new interchange. We hope to be on site with the first phase of development early in 2011 with the first phase open to the public by summer 2012.”

Trafford Council are advised by Drivers Jonas Deloitte and Nabarro LLP.

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