Altrincham is set to receive a staggering £148,057 to revitalise its high street, a housing minister revealed earlier this week.
It is one of only seven towns in England to receive an award designed to inject life into the town.
The sum, a cut of £1million nationally, will go to the initiative Altrincham Forward which continues the revamp of the town’s high street, according to the Minister of State for Housing, Mark Prisk.
The initiative is supported by Trafford Council and brings together business leaders and community groups to help Altrincham town centre.
The creativity and team spirit of those involved has been praised by Mr Prisk.
“These are just seven of the many towns that came forward, and they are a shining example of what can be achieved,” he said.
“I would like to congratulate them for the innovative and interesting ways in which they have given their high street a new lease of life.
“It is in everyone’s interests to see our town centres thrive, and I want people across the country to take inspiration from these towns and look at what can be done when communities work together.”
Altrincham Forward received their share of the High Street Renewal Award after recently opening a well-being pop-up shop and setting up a twilight market during Christmas.
These innovative ideas did not go unnoticed by the panel of experts who judged Altrincham.
Martin Blackwell, from the Association of Town and City Management, was part of the panel – and suggested that Altrincham’s future was bright.
“Some really interesting ideas have emerged from this competition that all town centres can learn from and take heart from,” he said.
“I have no doubt that they will do just that.”
Fellow panel member Alex Gourlay, Chief Executive of the Health and Beauty Division at Alliance Boots, outlined the importance of the revitalisation of high streets.
“The pursuit of creating healthy and prosperous high streets can be essential, if not the most critical, ingredient in supporting the regeneration of local communities,” he said.
“We are proud to have supported this competition, and to be working with others also committed to the future of our high streets and ensuring their growth and success in years to come.”
Other towns who will receive the High Street Renewal Award are Herne Hill Market, Old Northam Road, Ipswich, Market Rasen, Gloucester and Rotherham.
Picture courtesy of Images of Money, via Flickr, with thanks.
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