An organisation set up to help turnaround the fortunes of Altrincham town centre is approaching 10 years of success.
Altrincham Business Improvement District (BID), which runs Visit Altrincham, was set up in 2016 with funding from businesses and has seen the town centre transition from a ghost town to a multi award-winning leisure destination.
This summer, Altrincham’s BID businesses voted for the initiative to carry on for another five years.
2024/25 saw 8.4m visitors to the high street representing a 5.7% increase on the previous year thanks to independent shops, high street favourites, eateries and services, and a programme of vibrant and varied events.
The upturn in footfall built upon similar rises, year on year, from 2016 with people drawn in by the likes of the popular Altrincham Market and the new Stamford Quarter.
Back in 2010, Altrincham was branded a ‘ghost town’ in the national press and a third of shop units in the town were empty – reportedly the largest proportion for any UK medium-sized town.
The BID established Visit Altrincham as a marketing brand to showcase the town’s unique character. It works to support footfall and business, encourage visitors to stay longer and improve the town centre environment.
The Neon Noel-themed Christmas lights switch on was a huge success with footfall increasing by an impressive 36.7% compared with the same event last year.
Mandy White, Altrincham BID Director said:
"With such a promising start to the festive season, we’re looking ahead to the rest of the Christmas programme including Altrincham’s Lantern Parade and Nativity Journey.”
Eligible businesses pay a levy to the BID which employs three people, managing a budget of £230,000, which is supplemented by sponsorship and grants. The BID is governed by a board of business representatives.
The BID also works with partners such as Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Police and lobbies on behalf of businesses at a local, regional and national level.
BID-led events coming up include Altrincham’s Lantern Parade and Nativity Journey on Saturday 13 December and Carols from King’s Court on Thursday 18 December.
Plans to take the programme up to 2031 include continuing to improve the town centre, produce events, support and strengthen businesses and promote Altrincham as a visitor destination.
The work of the BID contributes to the Council’s priority for the borough to have a thriving economy and top-class leisure and culture for all.
Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration said:
“Altrincham town centre is a real jewel in the crown for our borough and the BID, the businesses, Council and partners all work together to make the town what it is.
“The BID and the town have come such a long way in 10 years. As we approach the end of 2025 we look forward to the next chapter together.”