Chestergate on the up?

Regenerating Macclesfield town centre was the topic when local MP, David Rutley, met up with Chestergate independent traders.

David met with Laura Mayall, owner of BOHOTEL, which opened its doors as Macclefield’s first boutique hotel in summer 2021.

The hotel offers seven rooms – in high demand since they opened – with a variety of clients, visiting the Peak District or family and friends. Suburban Green – located inside BOHOTEL and co-owned by Martin Lowe and Cal Gregg-Williams – offers casual dining to both hotel guests and the public. Both Laura, Martin and Cal work together to support each other’s businesses, helping to raise the profile of Chestergate. 

The meeting was also attended by Richard Slater, owner of Henbury Travel, recently relocated onto the pedestrianised section of Chestergate. The work of Richard and his team has been recognised with Henbury Travel being named as Best Northwest & North Wales Small Travel Agent of the year.

In 2019, a survey found that Chestergate is a priority location within Macclesfield town centre. Since then, ten businesses have either commenced trading or relocated to Chestergate and of 107 available premises, 100 are occupied by thriving independent businesses.

David continues to exert pressure on Cheshire East Council to take urgent action for the town centre, particularly since the closure of M&S store on Mill Street and opening of Barracks Mill retail park.

Following Cheshire East Council’s decision to withdraw its ambition to invest £5m in the town centre it’s more important than ever that more innovative plans are formulated.

Speaking after the visit, David said, “It is great to see independent businesses thriving and helping boost Chestergate and our local town centre. It is clear there is potential for mixed-use development, blending retail, leisure, commercial and residential uses in Macclesfield’s unique town centre. I will continue to work with local businesses and voluntary organisations to help improve our town centre.”