The owners of a outdoor street food and drink hub in Trafford which was set up during the pandemic has announced it is to close down.
One Central Altrincham, located in the town centre on Central Way, first opened in November 2020 as a ‘lockdown alternative’ for the local community to come together and socialise.
The central hub location has featured a number of local food and drink stalls, including Mexican street food venture Choza and coffee stall Tatton Perk. During Christmas, the outdoor venue was decorated with festive tipis and ‘carol-oke’ huts.
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But organisers have now announced the popular venue will close down in March due to the increase in rent and electricity, which has had a ‘huge impact’ on the business.
Posting on social media, One Central Altrincham said: “After a wonderful Christmas & New Year now is the time to re-evaluate our status in Altrincham.
“We have always been on borrowed time with our lease, One C was a temporary ‘lockdown alternative’ for families & foodies to socialise. We never expected to flourish into so much more & we’re so grateful you made that happen.
“However, like so many others, the recent increase in rent, rates, electricity has had a huge impact, especially when heating & lighting an outdoor venue! The increases have turned our small businesses upside down, making it impossible to survive. Unfortunately with this in mind, when our current lease ends in March, One C will vacate Altrincham.”
Until the outdoor venue closes, Choza will take over the terrace area and will open every day from 12pm. Local bakers and The Biscuit Tin will also continue to open stalls on Saturday’s.
Organisers added that they have had an ‘absolute blast’ in Altrincham, but said that the venture was never set out to last for too long.
The post said: “Our Mexican food maestros CHOZA will TAKE OVER THE TERRACE & will continue to open daily from 12pm. If there ever was a time to GET BEHIND A SMALL, LOCAL BUSINESS - this is it.
“Choza have been an integral part of One C from Day One & these guys are slinging out some of the best ‘street food’ in town! Lets make their next 8 weeks the best yet!
“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us since our opening in November 2020 and to all the team that have passed through One Central including the lovely Tatton Perk.
“We’ve had an absolute blast - our lockdown project went big but it was never meant to last. With love from all at One.”
The news was met with sadness from local residents and businesses who had frequented the outdoor hub in the last two years.
Radio Alty said: "It will be sad to see you go - you provided another alternative for the town and gave an area that was nothing massive vibrancy and atmosphere!"
Emma Simcox Oliver posted: "Gutted", while Pattie Kitts said: "What a shame when you were doing so well."
Tatton Perk posted: "It's been an honour! Something very special was built in that little space during the covid lockdowns. We remember how much of a lifeline @onecentralalty was for so many people - a little bit of joy in those incredibly difficult times. We loved being part of such an audacious project. Thank you for inviting us to join the OC fam from the start.
"And we'd echo loudly your point about the absolute crisis that is facing #smallbusiness. Our highstreets are going to look very different by the end of this year. It's tragic. So, if your pockets are deep enough, please choose to support the fabulous, creative, hardworking independent @altrincham shops like the mighty @chozafood. Use them, or lose them."
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