Fingers crossed for new town scheme
HOPES are being pinned on it proving third time lucky in attempts to regenerate Macclesfield town centre, with the appointment of consultants to resurrect plans.
Cheshire East Council has chosen property experts Cushman and Wakefield to develop a new strategy and ‘road map’ with the aim to deliver jobs and economic growth.
Also part of the team are engineering firm WSP and Open, who design and plan urban environments, as well as Professor Cathy Parker, from Manchester Metropolitan University, in an independent advisory capacity.
The regeneration of Macclesfield town centre has been a long-term aim that has suffered a number of blows.
Earlier this year Ask Real Estate pulled out of a proposed £19m leisure development that was to include a seven screen cinema as well as eight cafes, restaurants and bars.
The scheme had been scheduled to open in the Churchill Way area in 2020 but the company blamed its decision on ‘challenges in the food and beverage sector’.
And a planned £90m redevelopment of the town centre by Wilson Bowdon was abandoned in 2015.
Cushman and Wakefield has been involved in the successful £145m Stockport Exchange commercial development.
Councillor Ainsley Arnold, cabinet member for planning and regeneration at Cheshire East Council, says the appointment of consultants is a positive step.
He said: “As the Chancellor highlighted in his recent Budget statement, all town centres and high streets are facing unprecedented challenges as a result of changing consumer behaviour.
“Macclesfield has many unique advantages and continues to perform well compared with many places – but it is not immune to the difficulties all town centres are facing.
“The council is responding to this with a clear vision and strategy, so we can direct our efforts and resources where they will be most effective and have the greatest impact.
“We have secured an experienced and knowledgeable team and I look forward to seeing the output from this work and hearing the views and ideas of the public.
“This will enable us to be clear about where our priorities should lie in doing what is within our power to help revitalise Macclesfield town centre.”