The green light has been given to proposals to boost Macclesfield town centre.
Cheshire East Council’s cabinet recently gave authorisation to seek a contractor for new public realm works to enhance Castle Street.
As well as this, a town centre regeneration forum meeting took place at the end of November to engage the local community in proposed development of plans. The meeting was also attended by local MP David Rutley.
The plans for Castle Street, approved by Cheshire East Council, show widened footways to facilitate ‘alfresco’ dining areas and give greater priority to pedestrians, along with high quality paving and new street furniture.
Although constrained due to utility services supplying this area, some tree planting is also proposed to introduce more greenery as part of the £1.4m scheme.
A further £5 million investment in the public realm in Macclesfield has been secured, on top of the £1.4 million already allocated by the council.
The figure was agreed following conversations between MP David Rutley and Cllr Ainsley Arnold, the cabinet member for housing and regeneration at Cheshire East Council, and confirmed by Cllr Rachel Bailey, the leader of the council.
It is hoped the combined work will now encourage even further investment in neighbouring private property, such as Craven House.
Cllr Arnold commented: “I am delighted to see the scheme on Castle Street progressing but equally delighted to see interest from the private sector in Macclesfield town centre.
“This decision follows the recent granting of planning permission for the change of use of the Picturedrome on Chestergate to an Altrincham Market-style venue for artisan food stalls and refreshments.”
Cllr Arnold added: “I sincerely hope that the team behind Altrincham Market progress with their proposals for the Picturedrome, as their track record of delivering bespoke developments, which breathe new life into heritage assets and provide something unique and highly desirable, is absolutely proven – as is the impact such developments can have in assisting town centre regeneration.
“Macclesfield town centre is performing well, when compared with many places. This development will, alongside the work currently under way on the Macclesfield strategic regeneration framework, help to enhance what we already have in our town.”
Mr Rutley added: “It is clear that there continues to be strong commitment from across the local community, including businesses and other important local organisations, to maintain the focus on revitalising our town centre. This remains a key priority for our community.
“The increased investment of a further £5 million in the public realm is a positive step, and I will go on working with these organisations, to help deliver on the clearly-stated wishes of local residents to see a greater focus on regenerating Macclesfield town centre.”
