Hale Independent Issue 164

3 MAY 2024 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk THE new landmark Foundation building in Altrincham’s Stamford Quarter is open after the completion of construc- tion work. The former Rackhams building has been repur- posed to create a collabora- tive workspace and leisure destination in the heart of the town centre. Joint venture partners Bruntwood and Trafford Council say the comple- tion of the building signals a “major milestone” in the wider transforma- tional plans for the Stam- ford Quarter. The project aims to regen- erate the high street and establish the area as a new and exciting day to night destination in Altrincham. Foundation incorporates a total of five floors, including three floors of collaborative workspace. The building has been designed to offer flexible workspace options in varying sizes, appealing to both scale-ups and well-es- tablished businesses. And with sustainabil- ity at its core, Foundation includes a 375 square metre living biophilic wall on the building’s exterior, made up of 36,000 carefully selected plants. The HYVERT green wall will reduce the build- ing’s carbon emissions and create a habitat for more than 125 invertebrate wild- life species. Foundation’s new two-sto- rey extension also creates an indoor-outdoor work and lifestyle experience, incorpo- rating new terraces on the ground and second floors. A fitness studio, as well as cycle storage and show- ers and vanity areas, have also been created to encour- age an active commute and promote wellbeing amongst its customers. Global sports market- ing agency SPORTFIVE Building a firm Foundation Workspace’s completion is a ‘major milestone’ Transformed: The former Rackhams building has been given a new lease of life (Photo credit: Bruntwood) is the first business to offi- cially move into Foundation’s workspace. The business has agreed a lease for the entire second floor for 10 years. The redesign of the ground floor includes a new Starbucks unit that is due to open soon. The ground floor will also be home to three further hospi- tality businesses. Final works on the hospital- ity offerings are near comple- tion, with the final businesses joining Foundation set to be confirmed soon. These operators will spill out onto Stamford Square pro- viding an alfresco experience to both workspace guests and also the wider town. The boutique bowling brand Lane7 will be taking over the lower ground floor with an eight-lane bowling destination set to open in late summer. James Tootle, head of retail and leisure at Brunt- wood, said: “The completion of Foundation is a significant milestone for Altrincham and marks an exciting new chapter for this side of the town centre. “Through the redevelop- ment of the building, Brunt- wood has been able to blend leisure and workspace, which will create an exciting new destination where busi- nesses and communities can collaborate and socialise. “We’re now looking for- ward to announcing our three final hospitality brands and a host of work- space customers. This will undoubtedly cement the Stamford Quarter as one of the most exciting places to work, dine, and shop in Greater Manchester.” 10% off your first order of Compatible Cartridges