The Stamford Quarter in Altrincham is celebrating a successful 2023 with visitors to the area rising by 5% year on year as the Altrincham neighbourhood draws shoppers back to the high street with a bumper roster of new retailers opening their doors.
The influx of new stores to join the high street includes a strong mix of national brands and independent boutiques. Openings have largely come in the third and fourth quarters with 39,000 sq ft of retail space let this year to customers including Holland & Barrett, the UK’s leading health and wellness retailer and Altrincham FC’s popup store in December; Poundland, one of Britain's most popular discount retailers in November; Parasol, a lifestyle store selling accessories, clothing, and gifting opened in October and Utility, home to a range of quirky gifting and design led products, opened in September.
Adam Glover, Utility Retail Director commented on its opening: "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."
Premium bowling destination, Lane 7 is set to open in 2024 within the much anticipated Foundation building which will be home to market leading workspace, retail and leisure in the heart of Altrincham town centre. Visitors to the area can already see its impressive 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, all helping to boost Altrincham’s biodiversity, air quality and aesthetic. There will also be a duo of new openings with more details to be revealed in early 2024.
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.
Commenting on the success, James Tootle, Head of Retail and Leisure at 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.”
Cllr 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.“
Bruntwood and Trafford Council have announced the completion of Foundation, a 75,000 sq ft dynamic and collaborative workspace and leisure destination in the heart of Altrincham.
Starbucks will open a brand new coffee shop in the Stamford Quarter’s Foundation building this spring. The brand has announced that it will be making a home in Altrincham’s new market-leading retail, leisure and workspace destination.
The public realm in the Stamford Quarter in Altrincham will be undergoing a transformation in 2024. The enhancements are designed to improve accessibility, provide space for community activity and encourage visitors to spend time in a more welcoming environment in the Stamford Quarter.