The 'ghost town' transformed into 'first class destination' that tourists flock to

A pretty commuter community once dubbed a "ghost town" has made a remarkable recovery to become one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Altrincham sits just 10 miles south west of central Manchester but also enjoys historical ties to the county of Cheshire, renowned as the place to settle down for Premier League footballers and their wives and families.

But despite its connection to affluent residents, Altrincham fell on hard times in the last decade or so. High business rates and the nearby Trafford Shopping Centre were blamed for many shops closing on the high street, leaving behind what one local councillor called a "ghost town."

However, in more recent years, the fortunes of the town of around 50,000 people have seen a remarkable rise, and the local area has been dubbed an "aspirational" place to live. It's also been listed as one of the most 'desirable' postcodes in Britain. The northern town has even drawn comparisons with salubrious parts of London, such as Dulwich.

According to the Mirror, the scenic market town has seen significant changes thanks to a whopping £6 million regeneration scheme kicked off in 2015 by Trafford Council.

The bold initiative saw new developments take shape, like the multi-million-pound face-lift of Altrincham Leisure Centre, the rejuvenation of the Stamford Quarter, and continuous enhancements across the town's public spaces.

Trafford Council's ambition was to polish Altrincham into a premier spot for residents and entrepreneurs alike, dubbed it a "first class destination for people to live, shop, and do business".

And the Telegraph dubbed Altrincham a "mini Dulwich" last year as the publication listed top places to live in the country. The town was praised for having some of the best schools in the North West, a "great" high street, and a top food hall.

Speaking about the town's transformation, Trafford Council leader Sean Anstee said making it one of the best places to live in the nation was the local authority's vision. He said, "This was our clear vision when we set out several years ago to use public and private investment to transform it from a ghost town to a hugely successful, vibrant one."

Having come back from the brink, Altrincham now serves as an exemplar for contemporary market towns, blending independent ventures with the old-school charm of Market House stalls.

It has become a hotspot for foodies, boasting top-rated independent eateries such as Honest Crust, which claims to serve "the country's best" wood-fired sourdough pizzas, whilst Jack in the Box offers an impressive selection of craft beers.

Meanwhile, The Great North Pie Company, England's premier pie producer, has earned numerous accolades in recent years, making it a must-visit destination for pie fans.

And links to central Manchester by public tram, bus or train make the area an excellent commuter town. With a typical detached house fetching £1,050,000, the area commands a significant premium due to its exceptional education, stunning parks, and tight-knit community. Demand for homes near top-rated schools has driven property prices even higher.