Altrincham Station is at the centre of this town in the metropolitan borough of Trafford in Greater Manchester. The area traditionally had its industry based in engineering but in recent decades this has fallen into decline to be replaced by light industry and commerce. The thriving shopping streets around the station have also suffered since the building of the Trafford Centre, one of the largest shopping centres in Britain, just a few miles from Altrincham town. Despite this, the area has continued to be a popular resedential suburb that is home to many famous residents in the world of sport and entertainment.