Pub firm will help historic building to Shed ‘neglect’
ANOTHER popular franchise vying to set up in Macclesfield seeks to convert a Grade-II listed building into their next bar.
The Potting Shed currently operates six establishments in various parts of the North West of England.
They have submitted an application for listed building consent to convert the former council register office, on Park Green, into their new premises.
Originally constructed in 1874-6 as a public library, the Grade-II listed site has been vacant since 2010 and has “gradually fallen into neglect”, according to planning documents submitted to Cheshire East Council.
The documents said that the franchise’s other locations provide “a relaxed feel, catering for families and offering food from a modern open kitchen”, offering live music and DJs in the evenings, as well as showing sport.
They added: “The emphasis of all of these sites are to utilise existing historic buildings in vibrant locations which can provide a high-end venue serving drinks and food.
“The proposal at Macclesfield intends to be of a similar nature, servicing a similar clientele and providing a restaurant element.
“As a consequence, they have specifically identified this property as it represents a building of high quality and local prominence which best represents their company’s brand and the tastes of their target demographic.”
The proposed development would also create 10 full-time and 20 part-time employees. The Potting Shed are proposing opening hours of 11am-2am on Saturdays and from 11am to midnight on all of the other days.
If approved, the new drinking spot would have two separate bar areas, a stage for live music and a kitchen, promising just minimal external alterations.
Planning documents said: “The proposal would bring back into use one of Macclesfield’s high profile and historic buildings which has laid empty for a significant period of time.
“Through a mainly single storey extension and carefully considered internal alterations, the proposed development would rejuvenate not only the building but also the immediate surrounding area.”
A sample food menu was also provided, showing a range of gastropub food, such as pizzas, burgers and steak.
Planners concluded: “The development would provide both economic and social benefits to the immediate and wider area by bringing this vacant building back into use, most notably by improving the vitality and viability of the town centre and in particular in respect of its contribution to the night-time economy.”
A decision is expected by January 14, 2020.