£1m street enhancement scheme

Cheshire East Council has plans to give Macclesfield town centre a £1m makeover that reinforces Macclesfield’s unique identity.

Cheshire East say “This represents a further phase in the regeneration of Macclesfield and follows the announcement, in February, of plans for a leisure-led scheme for cinema and restaurants – subject to planning – to be built by a private developer, on the Churchill Way car park.”

“The project will deliver a wide range of street enhancements, focused around Castle Street, Exchange Street and upper Mill Street, to enhance the retail core of the town centre as well as the key routes linking it to the proposed leisure-led scheme.”

“It also demonstrates the Council’s desire to see the town flourish, with its fascinating history and heritage mirrored through public realm enhancement schemes for the benefit and enjoyment of residents, visitors and businesses.”

“It will be complemented by the emerging Waters Green underpass project where the history and social fabric of the town will be interpreted in an unusual and imaginative public art tableau.”

“The Council is aiming for a package of works which have a strong, creative element, emphasising Macclesfield’s distinct identity – not only as a silk town but also as one with a strong, creative and entrepreneurial edge,  as identified in the Macclesfield heritage and culture strategy.”

Cheshire East Council’s new Leader Rachel Bailey said: “This is further evidence of our commitment to the continuing regeneration of Macclesfield town centre and our desire to see businesses thrive and residents and visitors enjoying a vibrant, healthy and welcoming environment.

“It is about creating a sense of place that reflects our core objectives, to enable our residents to live well and for longer and to have a strong and resilient economy with supportive communities.”

Councillor Don Stockton, Cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This will help to attract people and business to the centre of Macclesfield and restore the town’s vibrant local economy.

“It is the next step in our strategy for the regeneration of this unique town and is based on evidence which suggests that investment in public realm has a positive economic impact in addition to the obvious environmental benefits.”

The Council will be asked to commission design work to identify options for the scheme which is set to start in 2017.