Roe-naissance of Christ Church

Diane Smith and her colleagues from the Roe-naissance Project, working to create a sustainable future for Christ Church, had a visit from local MP, David Rutley recently. The initiative is collaborating with Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) Regeneration Officers to draw up a proposal to submit to Heritage Lottery for funding to install essential facilities, together with a sound plan for the building’s future use.

Diane explained that the Project has been working with Cheshire East Council, in view of the Council’s Heritage Asset Regeneration Plan, to highlight Christ Church’s relevance to the wider plans to regenerate Macclesfield town centre.

The Church now opens to coincide with every Treacle Market Sunday, and generally attracts around 70 visitors per opening, with significant interest from all ages. There is no charge for entry, although it is suggested that visitors make a donation towards the upkeep of the building.

Built in 1775 by Macclesfield silk merchant Charles Roe, Christ Church is constructed of brick, and utilises innovative cast iron columns to support the interior galleries. The church was declared redundant in 1983 and passed into the care of the CCT in 1985. The church is Grade II* Listed and sits within a conservation area.