Which Greater Manchester town had a high street ‘retail-revitalisation’ in 2023?

Bosses of Altrincham’s town centre shopping hub the Stamford Quarter are predicting a vibrant 2024 after reporting a five per cent uplift in visitor numbers.

Landlord and property company Bruntwood says it’s had a successful 2023 following an influx of new stores joining national brands and independent boutiques.

Altrincham Town Centre Success Story

New openings have come towards the end of the year, with 39 sq ft of retail space let. Recent arrivals include health store Holland & Barrett and Altrincham FC’s popup store.

Utility, home to a range of quirky gifting and design-led products, opened in September, followed by Parasol, a lifestyle store selling accessories, clothing and gifts, and discount retailer Poundland.

Altrincham Shopping Success

Utility director Adam Glover said: “We’ve been blown away by the reception, and the remarkable success of the store since opening in September.

“!From opening week, which set Utility records, right through the festive period, performance has been incredible.

“As an independent business, we feel right at home in the Stamford Quarter and the Altrincham community, and we look forward to continued success in 2024.”

Meanwhile, premium bowling destination, Lane 7 is set to open in 2024 within the much-anticipated Foundation building which will be home to workspace, retail and leisure in the heart of Altrincham town centre.

Visitors to the area can already see its HYVERT living wall, created in conjunction with Manchester University and local plant designers, I Want Plants, which wraps around the building and includes 36,000 plants.

In addition to the new retailers, the Stamford Quarter has also renewed leases with Boots, Flannels, Next, Sostrene Grene and Nationwide, retaining these key brands into 2024 and beyond.

James Tootle, head of retail and leisure at property company Bruntwood, said:  “2023 has been a fantastic year for the Stamford Quarter. We have continued to combine leading independent and national brands to give consumers a really unique offering which encourages people back to the high street.

“The growth in footfall outperforms the national trend and demonstrates just how appealing this mix is proving for the community.

“As we look towards 2024, we are excited to continue the revitalisation of this part of Altrincham as we get set to launch our Foundation building in the spring, it will further enhance this part of the town centre with new hospitality and workspace bringing a whole new audience to the neighbourhood.

“This year has been great for the Stamford Quarter and the town and we can’t wait to share the news of some more exciting arrivals in the new year.”

Coun Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s executive member for economy and regeneration, said: “Altrincham offers excellent shopping and leisure facilities and it is fantastic news that visitor numbers to the area are growing.

“The Stamford Quarter is a real success story and we are proud to be working with our partners to make this happen. Well done to everyone involved in this project – here is to more success for our town centres in 2024.”