Planners to decide on Jordangate development today

Plans for a new building go before Cheshire East’s planning committee today.

The proposed new building will sit between King Edward House (formerly The Macclesfield Arms) and what was Gaddums head office.

Local architects BAND designed a modern, striking, but sympathetic scheme which, judging by the visuals, will succeed in enhancing the two adjacent Grade II listed buildings.

The main frontage is predominantly red brick to complement the adjacent buildings but has an ‘eroded’ finish which reveals inner layers of metal cladding.

The applicants – local property company Estates & Leisure, say they already have tenants lined up.

Both of the potential tenants would make the building a significant retail destination for the town – attracting some sorely needed footfall to the town.

Given approval, the building will enhance an area of the town that has been somewhat neglected – and provide a major boost for the many independent businesses located in that area  – ilovemacc has no hesitation in endorsing this scheme

We’ve heard that there are concerns that the building will be too modern for the surrounding listed buildings.

Can we suggest the planning officers and committee members take a look at what Prague’s city fathers approved.

The Dancers building (also known as Fred & Ginger) sits between 17th and 18th century buildings – personally I think it looks sensational – and actually succeeds in enhancing the surrounding period buildings.

Let’s hope our planners take this on board.