Macclesfield town centre regeneration

Cheshire East Council is launching a public consultation on a future strategic vision for the regeneration of Macclesfield town centre.The consultation on the ‘strategic regeneration framework’ starts on February 13 – and will include a drop-in session at the Grosvenor Centre.

The council 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 to revitalise Macclesfield.

The Macclesfield town centre strategic regeneration framework will: 

• Set out a fresh ‘vision’ for the town centre; 
• Identify major opportunities for regeneration of the town centre, capitalising on the town’s unique character and advantages;
• Identify high-level objectives for the town centre;
• Consider the need for improved infrastructure to facilitate regeneration; and
• Recommend a series of priority next steps for translating the vision into tangible action.

The council is keen to ensure the framework, via consultation, draws on local knowledge and is informed by the views of local residents, business and other stakeholders. 

Councillor Ainsley Arnold, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for housing, planning and regeneration said: “The aim of this strategic regeneration framework is to set out a fresh vision for the town centre, focused on its key role in underpinning and driving an exciting and prosperous future for the whole town. We won’t, however, lose sight of the area’s important heritage, sense of place and its individual character, which are held in high regard by local people and visitors alike.

“We recognise only too well that town centres and high streets are facing unprecedented challenges as a result of changing consumer behaviour. Macclesfield has many unique advantages – but it is not immune to the difficulties faced by all town centres in the UK. 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.” 

“Having developed a strategic regeneration framework with an experienced and knowledgeable team, I look forward to seeing 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 revitalise Macclesfield town centre.”

“The council has already been investing significantly in enhancing the public realm across Macclesfield and we will continue to engage with our partners, stakeholders and local MP to support the vitality of Macclesfield as a great place to live, work and visit.”

Property experts Cushman and Wakefield led the team which has developed the strategic regeneration framework, with specialist input from renowned engineering firm WSP and Open, which specialises in the design and planning urban environments. The Institute of Place Management at MMU, also advised and supported the team, particularly in engaging with local stakeholders.

• Details of the consultation will be live from 13 February. The consultation closes at 5pm on 13 March 2019.
• A drop-in session with information about the Macclesfield town centre strategic regeneration framework will take place on February 16 at Unit 8 of the Grosvenor Centre, between 10am and 3pm.

The consultation will inform the final draft of the Macclesfield town centre strategic regeneration framework to be put to the council’s cabinet for approval and adoption.