Member Article

Revised Macclesfield regeneration scheme moves on

A new leisure-led scheme for the regeneration of Macclesfield town centre is moving forward following decisions taken by Cheshire East Council’s Cabinet.

The cabinet meeting authorised the termination of an agreement with Wilson Bowden Developments as well as the withdrawal of a Compulsory Purchase Order for the proposed Silk Street scheme.

Instead, the authority has confirmed plans to offer for sale two sites in the town centre for developers to come up with plans for leisure schemes on the plots.

The sites identified are Churchill Way car park and Duke Street car park.

The move to secure development ‘as rapidly as practicable’, voted through at a meeting of the council’s cabinet, follows the ending of the Silk Street development agreement with Wilson Bowden.

The final scheme, however, will be decided after further consultation with local stakeholders to ensure it fits within the wider ‘Macclesfield Vision’.

Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “This council is about actions, not just words – and we can now proceed with renewed purpose to unlock and realise the great potential of Macclesfield.

“This decision is a watershed moment for the realisation of a leisure regeneration scheme for Macclesfield town centre and signals a new era.

“As the development agreement with Wilson Bowden has terminated, the council can now go forward and actively test the market for interest from other potential developers, who may wish to invest in the town centre utilising some of the land, which has for many years been earmarked for the Silk Street scheme.

“We believe there is a strong market interest in this project, which will be central to delivering a town centre that the people of Macclesfield deserve.”

Potential options will be discussed with the stakeholder panel and key town centre landowners – ensuring an active voice for local people who are passionate about their town, its wellbeing and future success.

Council regeneration specialist Jo Wise has also been appointed as the new project director for Macclesfield town centre regeneration, to co-ordinate and drive the revitalisation of the town.

The authority has also committed £1million in capital funding to support projects to refurbish and revitalise the town centre.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .