The Trafford market town of Altrincham has been named the best place to live in the North West of England in The Sunday Times Best Places To Live 2026 guide.
The newspaper, which publishes the guide on the country's best towns every year, described Altrincham as being "classy, cool and effortlessly comfortable" and a "top-notch town brimming with independent businesses and big brands."
The award-winning town was famously described by a councillor as being a 'ghost town' in 2010 but was transformed thanks to millions of pounds worth of investment by Trafford Council, which has brought in further investment from the private sector.
The Council has worked closely with partners including Bruntwood and the Altrincham Business Improvement District (BID) to completely regenerate the town through the rejuvenation of public spaces, the revitalisation of the Stamford Quarter, and the multi-million pound regeneration of the town's leisure centre.
The Sunday Times story referenced the importance of the Foundation building, in the old Rackhams department store, which was developed by Trafford Council and partners Bruntwood. It also highlighted the leisure centre, the market food hall and the excellent schools in the area.
Altrincham has won several awards including the UK's Best High Street award in 2018 and a prestigious purple flag for its excellent night time economy in 2023.
Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council's executive member for economy and regeneration, said:
"I am delighted that our town of Altrincham has been the best place to live in the North West. Altrincham, thanks to the work of the Council and its many partners including the BID and Bruntwood, is a huge success story and goes from strength to strength.
"It's a wonderful mix of national and independent shops and has a thriving cultural scene, amazing leisure facilities and wonderful bars and restaurants. Trafford Council is committed to improving and regenerating all of its town centres and will continue to celebrate them all now and in the future."
The town of Norwich was named the best place to live in the UK in the Sunday Times list.