Big name to move in on shopping centre’s £11m expansion
THE town centre is to get a massive £11million boost with plans to extend the Grosvenor Centre finally to get underway.
Shopping centre bosses have also announced that a ‘major international fashion brand’ will be moving into the new space – but remain tight lipped on who has agreed the deal.
Eskmuir Securities, which owns the centre, was given full planning permission to extend into the former Cheshire Building Society in August 2014 following two years of discussions.
Now bosses have con- firmed building work will start next month, with the view to finish in 2017.
David Rutley MP said: “It’s great to see this significant investment in the town centre by Eskmuir Securities in the Grosvenor Centre.
“This investment is fur- ther good news for the regeneration to the town centre and follows the recent announcement of a new cinema and a leisure led scheme.
“Eskmuir’s decision is another vote of confidence in Macclesfield.”
Paul Hodgson, manag- ing director of Eskmuir said: “These development works represent a major investment into Macclesfield town centre, which complements the town’s shopping offer and bolsters the investment already taking place in the town through the council.
“We are confident by introducing new retailers to Macclesfield, the town will soon attract other major high street brands, increasing the choice on offer for shoppers, helping retain spend in the town and attracting visitors from further afield.”
Eskmuir plans to demolish five existing shops, including the old Argos and part of the former Cheshire Building Society building next door on Castle Street.
This will make way for a new two storey building with three new large shops which bosses say are better suited to modern retailers.
The centre’s main mall is also undergoing refurbishment with improved lighting and walkways.
The facade of the old building society, which is seen as a heritage building in Macclesfield, will not change.
The old Cheshire Building Society will also contain new shops but bosses have not yet confirmed how many.
The international retailer which has signed up to one of the new large units will sell clothing and homewares from a range of brands.