Town's recipe for revival now inspiring others

Food halls and markets aim to drive new investment and reinvigorate areas

- GEORGE LYTHGOE

IT all started with Altrincham.

The arrival of a venue in the town centre transformed a once-tired district into a vibrant destination bustling with shoppers, revellers and day trippers.

Just over a decade ago, the leafy suburb on the edge of Greater Manchester was becoming run down, with low footfall and shuttered shops.

Then, the idea for a food hall sparked new life into the area.

Sacha Lord, the Night Time Economy for Greater Adviser Manchester, believes the arrival of Altrincham Market attracted people back to the town where he grew up.

When people came to the town to drink and eat at the revived market, soaking up the atmosphere as they chowed down on woodfired pizzas and bao buns, the retail sector followed suit.

Trendy restaurants, cafes and shops all started popping up in the empty commercial units on the high street.

Now Altrincham sees thousands of visitors walking the streets at the weekend, visiting the plethora of bars and shops the town has to offer.

"There was this huge explosion of the night time economy in Altrincham," Mr Lord explained. "On the back of that the retail sector moved back in.