Trafford Council has approved revised outline plans for a £70m leisure-led development in Altrincham town centre.

The Altair scheme will see a new leisure centre, shops and restaurants built on a 4.5 acre site located alongside the town’s ice rink and the new £19m transport interchange under construction.

Ian Simpson Architects designed the scheme, which must now get detailed planning.

Developer Nikal said construction will begin next year and also includes 150 new apartments and townhouses.

Planning consent for the original larger design was granted five years ago.

But Nikal had to buy out the interest of joint venture house builder David McLean following its collapse at the start of the global financial crisis.

Nick Payne, managing director of developers Nikal, said: “We’ve had a vision to regenerate this brownfield site for many years and it’s tremendously exciting to be taking the next steps with the support of the council.

“It’s a promising time for Altrincham; the refurbishment of the interchange is under way, there are new plans to revitalise the marketplace and now Altair.

“All these schemes will help rejuvenate the town and bring people and trade back into the area, as well as creating new jobs.”