Projects move forward to revitalise Macclesfield town centre

The green light has been given to proposals to boost Macclesfield town centre.

Cheshire East Council’s cabinet today gave authorisation to seek a contractor for new public realm works to enhance Castle Street.

The approved designs show widened footways to facilitate ‘alfresco’ outdoor eating areas and give greater priority to pedestrians, high quality paving and new street furniture and lighting and creative elements, such as bespoke text art along the kerbline.

Although severely constrained due to the number of utility services supplying this area, some tree planting is also proposed to introduce more greenery into the town centre as part of the £1.4m scheme.

Together with the recently opened TK Maxx on Castle Street, it is hoped this work will encourage further investment in neighbouring private property, such as Craven House.

Councillor Ainsley Arnold, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for housing, planning and regeneration said: “I am delighted to see the scheme on Castle Street progressing but equally delighted to see interest from the private sector in Macclesfield town centre. This decision today follows the recent granting of planning permission for the change of use of the Picturedrome on Chestergate to an Altrincham Market-style venue for artisan food stalls and refreshments.

“I sincerely hope that the team behind Altrincham Market progress with their proposals for the Picturedrome, as their track record of delivering bespoke developments, which breathe new life into heritage assets and provide something unique and highly desirable, is absolutely proven – as is the impact such developments can have in assisting town centre regeneration.

“Macclesfield town centre is performing well, when compared with many places. This development will, alongside the work currently under way on the Macclesfield strategic regeneration framework, help to enhance what we already have in our town.”