Launch of Macclesfield Design Board

The Macclesfield Town Centre Vision Design Board, made up of key stakeholders and council officers, will hold its inaugural meeting tomorrow (Thursday, April 30).

The advisory panel has been charged with reviewing and driving forward the redevelopment of Macclesfield town centre – following the collapse of the Wilson Bowden Town Centre Redevelopment Scheme

Cheshire East council has given the board a broad advisory remit – including to investigate options for accelerating the delivery of a leisure scheme for the town centre and to get the views of the local community about their ambitions and aspirations for Macclesfield. The council has committed £1m in capital funding to support projects to refurbish and revitalise the town centre.

Local commercial property expert Nick Hynes has taken on the role of delivery executive and chairman of  the Design Board which will advise the council and its partners on innovative investment models and partnership arrangements to secure investment, funding and delivery for the overall vision for the town.

Caroline Simpson, Cheshire East Council’s director of economic growth and prosperity, said: “This new Design Board is an important and innovative step and an exciting opportunity for the whole town.

“Nick and the board have been given the remit to listen to local stakeholders and use the feedback to come up with innovative and creative ideas to help Macclesfield unlock its potential – so that we create a town centre fit for the 21st century.

“We want them to use their experience and passion for Macclesfield to make sure we listen to all opinions on the development and investment in the town centre and get the best way forward we can for local residents and businesses.

“I am delighted that Nick has taken on this role. Getting a business leader of his calibre involved shows the high priority we are giving to the town centre’s redevelopment and getting things done.”