Foundation
Altrincham
CubicWorks delivered the complete transformation of Foundation – the former Rackhams department store in Altrincham for Bruntwood Works and Trafford Council. This £13.7 million landmark project converted 75,000 sq ft of tired retail space into Bruntwood’s first regional Pioneer building, creating 50,000 sq ft of premium workspace and 25,000 sq ft of leisure areas. The complex redevelopment required extensive demolition, structural modifications, and a 2,000 sq m steel extension while overcoming significant fire safety and environmental challenges.
Location
Altrincham
Client
Bruntwood
Size
75,000
Duration
18 months
Complex Structural Transformation:
Extensive demolition and stripout taking the building back to shell condition
Removal of existing link bridges and structural modifications throughout
New lightwell creation requiring precision cutting and structural engineering
2-storey steel extension adding 2,000 sq m of contemporary workspace
Complete rebuilding of all facade brickwork to complement the architectural vision
Advanced Building Services:
New curtain walling and punch windows across all elevations
Full M&E systems installation with new cores and common areas
Fire compartmentation solutions around challenging existing block and beam slabs
Environmental systems compliance meeting varying test conditions across mixed construction
Distinctive Features:
4,000 sq ft living biophilic wall featuring 36,000 plants creating a landmark green facade
Premium leisure spaces including gym, wellness areas, and extensive cycle storage
EPC A rating achievement through all-electric design and sustainability measures
Mixed Construction Complexity
Foundation presented unique engineering challenges that deterred many contractors. The combination of existing structure and new build created complex compliance requirements that most firms couldn’t navigate.
Our team solved problems others couldn’t:
Fire compartmentation around existing slabs – engineering solutions for historic construction methods
Varying environmental test conditions – managing different building standards across old and new sections
Structural integration – seamlessly connecting 2,000 sq m of new steel extension to existing fabric
Heritage sensitivity – preserving the building’s character while enabling complete transformation
The CubicWorks Difference
Problem-Solving Expertise: When structural engineers identified challenges with fire compartmentation around the existing block and beam construction, our team engineered innovative solutions that maintained safety compliance while preserving the building’s integrity.
Integrated Capability: Our in-house trades worked together daily to coordinate the complex sequencing required – from demolition specialists removing link bridges to our electricians threading new services through challenging existing structures.
Quality That Attracts: Foundation became 63% pre-let before completion, with major tenants like SPORTFIVE choosing the building for their UK headquarters – proof that engineering excellence creates spaces businesses want to occupy.
Foundation now stands as Altrincham’s gateway building – a vibrant community where workspace, retail, and leisure blend seamlessly. The building anchors the Stamford Quarter regeneration, breathing new life into what was previously a tired retail site.
The transformation has created a true community hub with Lane7 bowling, Starbucks, and premium office spaces all thriving under one roof. Our work turned a complex structural challenge into Altrincham’s most progressive mixed-use destination.
Most importantly? The building we helped create is driving the long-term economic growth of Altrincham town centre, proving that when you engineer solutions others can’t attempt, you help entire communities thrive.
When existing structure meets new build challenges, most contractors step away. We step up. Foundation demonstrates that 40+ years of problem-solving experience turns the most complex projects into community-changing successes.
CubicWorks
