Strategic regeneration vision for Macclesfield

Cheshire East Council has appointed leading consultants to help develop a new vision, strategy and ‘route map’ to deliver jobs and economic growth in Macclesfield town centre.

The aim is to provide developers and investors with the confidence and certainty needed to bring forward investment.

Property experts Cushman and Wakefield will lead the team, with specialist input from internationally-renowned engineering firm WSP and Open, who specialise in designing and planning urban environments.

Professor Cathy Parker, from the Institute of Place Management at  MMU has also been appointed as an independent expert to advise and support the team, particularly in engaging with local stakeholders.

The council is keen to ensure the exercise draws on local knowledge and is informed by the views of local residents, business and other stakeholders and will engage with local people at various stages in the process. The programme of work is available to view on the regeneration pages of the council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk

Councillor Ainsley Arnold, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for housing, planning and regeneration said: “As the Chancellor highlighted in his recent Budget statement, all town centres and high streets are facing unprecedented challenges as a result of changing consumer behaviour.

“Macclesfield has many unique advantages and continues to perform well compared with many places – but it is not immune to the difficulties all town centres, up and down the country, are facing. The council is responding to this with a clear vision and strategy, so we can direct our efforts and resources where they will be most effective and have the greatest impact.

“We have secured an experienced and knowledgeable team and I look forward to seeing the output from this work and hearing the views and ideas of the public. This will enable us to be clear about where our priorities should lie in doing what is within our power to help revitalise Macclesfield town centre.”