Cheshire East Council has given the go-ahead for a £90m scheme aimed at revitalising Macclesfield town centre and generating more than 1,300 jobs.
The Silk Street development will feature a Debenhams department store, 19 large stores, a 'green landscaped' multi-storey car park and hi-tech nine-screen multiplex cinema.
The Council says the 18,500sq metre scheme will give a major boost to the whole town centre environment, providing a thriving mix of shopping and showcasing the town's rich cultural heritage.
The plans, which were approved by the Council's Strategic Planning Board by nine votes to three last night (June 12) include restaurants, a new public open space known as 'Mulberry Square' and a children's recreation area off Exchange Street known as 'Roe Square'.
The scheme – a joint venture between the Council and developer Wilson Bowden – is seen by the Council as the crucial keystone for the wider regeneration of Macclesfield and its economy.
Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said after the decision: "This is really exciting and significant news – not only for the people and businesses of Macclesfield but for the whole of Cheshire East.
"It shows that Cheshire East is open for business and not prepared to stand still and manage decline. Macclesfield has not been achieving its potential – and this landmark decision is a tremendous vote of confidence in its future and will be a vital catalyst for the wider regeneration of the whole town and Macclesfield area.
"The Silk Street scheme is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to radically revitalise and boost the economy of Macclesfield and unlock its potential. It is a key part of the Council's and community partners' plans to regenerate the town's rich silk heritage, creating a cultural quarter. The Council is also developing its ambitious mixed-use scheme for the South Macclesfield Development Area.
"We know that leading retailers are looking to invest in towns with the right environment – and the Silk Street scheme offers that.
"With major, innovative regeneration projects under way across the Borough to boost the local economy and local communities, these are exciting times to be in Cheshire East."
Will Robinson, retail director at Wilson Bowden developments, said: "We're thrilled that a decision has been taken to support Silk Street as part of the wider vision to create a thriving, vibrant town centre in Macclesfield, offering something for everyone. We're looking forward to starting work on the scheme and bringing the plans to life."
It is estimated that the approved scheme would boost spending in Macclesfield town centre by an estimated £40m by 2016*.
Shortly after the planning decision yesterday (Wednesday) to approve plans for a £90m redevelopment of the town centre, Council Leader Councillor Michael Jones announced a £500,000 investment to tidy up Chestergate, the Silk Heritage Centre, public signage and general public area improvements.
It follows work already carried out in Macclesfield town centre in which market canopies were repaired and upgraded, paving in Market Place and St Michael's Church yard was upgraded and repaired and the renovation of the church wall, railings and gates were renovated.
Councillor Jones described this as 'phase one', which also included the removal of overgrown vegetation and tree pruning, the installation of new LED street lights and the painting, de-cluttering and repair of street furniture and railings.
Councillor Jones explained the planning decision was 'phase two' of a multi-phased approach. He added: "I am pleased to announce 'phase three' of this major redevelopment which follows my discussions with all parties before the planning decision was made.
"This will be a further £500,000 of Cheshire East capital funds spent on Macclesfield. This money was already budgeted for and will not be spent in any part of the Wilson Bowden phase.
"This is part of an ongoing commitment to see Macclesfield becoming a destination town in its own right."
As part of phase three, Councillor Jones also announced that a 'Free after Three' car parking scheme will be introduced in the Whalley Hayes car park, which contains 258 spaces and three disabled bays. More details of this scheme will follow at a later date.
Councillor David Topping, Cabinet member in charge of the environment, said: "The Free after Three scheme will be on a trial basis and on the one car park in Macclesfield. This will be with a view to extending to other towns. We believe this will provide a boost to businesses and encourage visitors and support the town centre."
* Source: CACI strategic consultants
Images: Cinema, Mulberry Square, next to the Heritage Centre and Silk Street.
Comments
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Look at all the boarded up shops in the town centre and the pubs which have closed. I just do not see how this investment will generate the kind of money they say.
The only shop in Macclesfield expanding their business is the pound shop!
'Give Macc a chance'!! It could be a destination Cheshire Town if only small businesses were encouraged to set up. If this grant helps, fantastic. Twenty five years ago it was thriving. Yes, it is now shabby, boring, youth (and senior) issues re. drinking and has suffered from out-of-town shopping including the local Tesco. But, transport, 'geography', history could give it an edge above, say Stockport or Altrincham. Why should they get the funding? Just hope the planners don't focus exclusively upon a Debenhams and cinema as the rivival plan for the town along with LED lights. The plan should also encourage young poeple to have the opportunity to sell 'stuff' that either carries on a family business or starts one e.g. 'silk' fashion to draw all the students from 25 mile radius to show their work and a Peak market?' Just a thought. Stockport relied upon Debenhams for too long, as far back as '89 and this will not be enough to sustain Macclesfield, nor a cinema. Macclesfield still has up-market 'brands' such as Arighi Bianchi who have stuck with the town and also restaurants such as The Chilli Banana who have taken the risk to invest. If this raises the bar I'm happy my taxes go towards it but with the assumption that those leading it know what they are doing.
Congestion? Sure, that's true but so does New York and I'd prefer to have a vibrant local town that takes an extra 10mins to get to than a Trafford Centre any day.