Work to start on multi-million pound Cheshire retail development

Construction work will soon begin on a multi-million pound development with the potential to bring 1,200 jobs and a flurry of new shops and restaurants to Cheshire.

Engine of the North, the development company owned by Cheshire East Council, secured the deal to bring the retail-led project to fruition.

Consolidated Property Group (CPG), the retail property developer based in Alderley Edge, has agreed to purchase a 15-acre site adjacent to the Handforth Dean retail park near Wilmslow.

Work on phase one will start next month and see a large Next fashion and homeware store built, creating 220 new jobs.

Councillor Jamie Macrae, the chairman of Engine of the North, said: “This is the best possible use of this land and we are delighted that it will make such a significant contribution to the economic and commercial prosperity of the borough.

“The Handforth Dean development has been a tremendous success for Cheshire East and has proved to be extremely popular with our residents and the residents of other boroughs, such as Stockport and Manchester.”

He added: “I am also pleased that it will be a local business, CPG, that will carry forward this scheme, which will create in the order of 1,040 jobs, when completed.”

Planning permission is due to be submitted for further phases of the project on the former Airparks site off Earl Road. If consent is granted, further phases could boost the scheme to around 320,000 sq ft with more shops, restaurants, a gym and parking spaces.

Consolidated Property Group MD Martin Ridgeway commented: “It is really important that local people, councillors and community groups engage in the consultation process and help shape any proposals that come forward.

“We look forward to holding public consultation events before any further planning application is submitted.”

He continued: “We are delighted to be working with Cheshire East Council’s Engine of the North in creating this landmark scheme, which will deliver a high-quality destination, providing maximum number of jobs and choice for shoppers.”

While it could be up to three years before work on the entire development is finished, phase one is due for completion in Summer 2016.