David Rutley

REGENERATING Macclesfield town centre continues to be a major priority for me, and for many local residents, and 2019 will be an important year in taking forward a new vision for our town centre.

Cheshire East Council is to shortly launch a public consultation on proposals on its new strategic regeneration framework for the town centre, which is being drawn up to take forward the vital work to develop a clear vision for the town centre, more effectively guiding and co-ordinating ongoing regeneration initiatives.

The consultation will start very soon, running for four weeks, and will seek opinions on new options and approaches for ‘character areas’ within the town centre that will, among other priorities, seek to highlight Macclesfield’s rich heritage.

I strongly encourage local residents, businesses and community groups to have their say before the final framework is brought forward in the summer.

This work will complement ongoing investment in the town centre. Beyond the £1.4 million already set aside to redevelop Castle Street, a further £5 million has been promised to enhance the public realm.

This additional funding was pledged following my meetings with local councillor Ainsley Arnold, cabinet member for housing, planning and regeneration.

These initiatives are positive and support ongoing progress in revitalising the town centre, such as the £11 million investment in expanding the Grosvenor Centre, which includes the new TK Maxx store. Plans for a new food market in the former Picturedrome building on Chestergate will be a further boost.

I will continue to work with local residents, businesses and Cheshire East Council, to help maintain renewed focus on this vital issue for our community, so that we can more fully realise the potential in our town centre and make Macclesfield a more distinctive destination for shopping and services.