Video game start-up chooses Foundation in Altrincham for new studio

A Manchester-based gaming start-up has agreed a deal that has seen it set up its headquarters at Foundation, the new 75,000 sq ft innovative workspace and leisure destination in Altrincham, developed by Bruntwood and Trafford Council.

Founded in 2023 by Paul Gouge and Alex Rigby, the team behind the hugely successful Golf Clash mobile game, ForthStar has gone from strength-to-strength and recently secured $10m from Silicon Valley venture capital firm Griffin Gaming Partners to support the development of its next release.

To facilitate the next stage of its growth, the business approached Bruntwood to help it design and develop a creative and inspiring 6,396 sq ft studio at Foundation, with the property company also handling the fit-out for the space.

Already a Bruntwood customer, the firm was previously based at the neighbouring Station House workspace, which offers a range of serviced and leased suites.

Located in the heart of Altrincham, opposite the transport interchange, Foundation opened in March this year. It was designed to create a thriving working and lifestyle culture for the town centre, with flexible workspace options in various sizes, appealing to both scale-ups and well-established businesses. It also recently launched coworking passes and memberships for workers wanting to switch up their working from home routine.

At Foundation, ForthStar can take advantage of the wide range of amenities on offer, including an on-site state-of-the-art gym and changing facilities. It has also joined a thriving business community that includes leading global sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE, leisure operator Lane7, coffee shop Starbucks and restaurants Yum Cha and Nell’s, both of which will open this year.

This move follows the September opening of LOOKFANTASTIC's first concept store in Altrincham town centre. The online beauty retailer launched a 5,400 sq ft space in the Stamford Quarter, in partnership with Bruntwood and Trafford Council.

Sharon Johnson, Head of Commercial Bruntwood, said: “With Foundation, we want to create a community where businesses can come together to collaborate, socialise and support the development of the business community in Altrincham. ForthStar is a welcome addition to this.

“The redevelopment of Foundation is just the latest step in our journey to transform Altrincham’s Stamford Quarter, working alongside Trafford Council to improve and enhance the opportunities for local people to live, work and play here. With a number of exciting new signings, it’s clear that there is a real demand for a workspace like this and we look forward to making further announcements on exciting new customers in due course.”

Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said: “I am proud of the work this Council has carried out alongside partners to redevelop the Foundation building as part of the transformation of the Stamford Quarter. We welcome Forthstar to Altrincham and wish the company all the best for the future.”

Paul Gouge, CEO and Founder of ForthStar ,said: "We believe that the greatest companies hire incredible talent into amazing environments. These environments are both cultural and physical, and enable and empower people to do their best work. In line with this belief, we have created an inspirational space for our people in the heart of Altrincham and they love it!”