North West Premier Construction Premier Hospitality

Altrincham’s Market Quarter

Altrincham Market, Trafford
Written by Roma Publications

Altrincham Market, Trafford

The transformation of Altrincham’s Market Quarter has been completed following a £600,000 investment by Trafford Council.

The historic Market Hall has been restored and given a new lease of life as have other listed market buildings.

Before works could be undertaken a condition survey and Heritage Impact Assessment were carried out. The market buildings were generally in good condition however there some leaks in the glass roof to the covered market and an area of damp on one of the Market House wall. These were repaired before main works commenced.

A new external glazed canopy has been constructed on the Market Hall and entrance lobbies have been introduced. New timber floors, furniture and fully refurbished stall fronts and counters have also been installed as part of the revamp scheme.

The hall now has improved lighting, electrics, plumbing, ventilation and refurbished toilets. Other additional repairs have also been undertaken as part of the scheme and Wi-Fi has been installed. The existing outdoor market has been relocated to the new market square inside the historic quarter. Visitors will now enjoy a great entertainment, shopping and eating experience thanks to the revamp project.

In order to preserve the character of the existing building modern roller shutters on a number of stalls in the Market House were replaced with wooden shutters and the counters were reinstated in a style that marches the structure’s original features. The new canopy is a faithful copy of the original including the lattice metal columns.

Executive Councillor for Economic Growth and Planning, Cllr Michael Hyman said:

“This investment reinforces the Council’s continuing commitment to the market. This inspirational work has helped establish the market as the new true beating heart of the town. I am sure that visitors from near and far will be impressed and captivated by the area.”

Trafford Council have worked closely with Market Operations to ensure that the space retains the best original features and character, whilst ensuring the space is fit fir purpose for its new usage.

Altrincham Market, Trafford

Market Operations Director Nick Johnson, commented:

“We believe that the re-birth of the market will bring a new energy to the town in the same way that many of the London markets have had in areas such as Borough, Maltby Street and Broadway. The project balances this ambition with a brand new square closer to the town for Altrincham’s historic, and vitally important, traders.”

Lovelock Mitchell acted as the architects for the Altrincham Market project. The firm assisted with the restoration of the Grade II listed market, repairing the glazed canopy to the covered market, creating permanent and demountable stalls as well as creating outdoor eating areas.

Lovelock Mitchell also designed The Market House to be used as a flexible events and performance space. The Altrincham Market scheme was part of a larger public realm improvement programme for the town centre and so the firm also assisted with the nearby new lower market and hard landscaping.

The architects brief was to refurbish and improve the buildings, which were originally constructed in 1879, and to provide an enhanced market facility.

The project also comprised a number of external works including the laying of a grasscrete surface and a high secure fence to the car parking area. New trees have been plated to reinforce existing site boundaries and screen the site from neighbouring dwellings.

Conlon Construction worked as the main contractor on the scheme. The Lancashire based construction firm was formed in 1961 and since their inception the firm has completed an array of projects across the North West region, Yorkshire and the Midlands.

Altrincham Market offers visitors the opportunity to make the most of the range of traders with stalls at the market including producers, makers, crafters, specialist vintage traders. Music makers are also present at the market as are local foodies cooking up amazing food to eat on the street.

About the author

Roma Publications