Macclesfield Means Business, a newly-formed local business group that works to promote the voice of businesses in and around the town, was joined at one of its recent meetings by local MP David Rutley.
Mr Rutley discussed the ongoing proposals to help regenerate Macclesfield town centre, a process which the group is keen to play a more active role in supporting despite recent set backs.
Longstanding Macclesfield business Arighi Bianchi hosted the event, where David updated those present on the range of initiatives being taken forward to promote the potential of Macclesfield.
He discussed the support that the local business community can provide in helping to accelerate plans to regenerate Macclesfield town centre.
Speaking after the event, David said: “Macclesfield has so much to offer as a place to set up and grow a business.
“I am grateful to Macclesfield Means Business for its ongoing and active endeavours to promote yet more opportunities for local businesses to succeed and help support the local economy.”
He added: “It is also clear that the local business community is committed to supporting the vital work of making our town a more distinctive destination for shopping and services, and I look forward to continuing to keep close to its important work in the months ahead.”
In addition to this, David also recently held the first in a series of more regular meetings with the leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Rachel Bailey, and its acting chief executive, Kath O’Dwyer, to keep the spotlight on the delivery of regeneration of Macclesfield town centre.
David said he was pleased to learn that Cheshire East Council is in the process of taking forward a new Strategic Regeneration Framework, which is currently being developed.
The intention of this initiative is to help co-ordinate plans to regenerate Macclesfield town centre and ensure that progress is accelerated on delivering the town centre local residents need.
At the meeting, Cllr Bailey also confirmed that Cheshire East Council remains committed to investing an additional £5 million in the public realm in Macclesfield town centre.
This sum was secured following David’s meetings with Cllr Ainsley Arnold, cabinet member for housing and regeneration.
This is over and above the £1.4 million already allocated, and continues to be an integral element of the town centre regeneration plans.
Speaking after the meeting with Cheshire East Council’s leaders, David said: “The plans to revitalise our town centre remain a key priority for me and it is clear that more must be done to invest in the economic potential of Macclesfield and make our town a more distinctive destination for shopping and services.
“It was good to see that both the leader of Cheshire East Council and the acting chief executive remain strongly committed to investing in the public realm, and I will continue to work with the council, and local business and community groups in the weeks and months ahead to take forward vital regeneration projects.”
