SATELLITE TOWNS LIKE MACCLESFIELD NEED TO

Regional town centres like Altrincham and Macclesfield will have to develop their own specialist attractions or become redundant as retail centres, according to the former chief of Manchester`s Arndale Centre.



Glen Barkworth, who was centre manager at Manchester Arndale for more than a decade and oversaw its recent transformation, said that many dormitory towns in the North West cannot compete with the region`s “big three” – Manchester, Liverpool and the Trafford Centre.



Speaking at a discussion held by Pro.Manchester last week in conjunction with insolvency trade body R3 and law firm DWF, Mr Barkworth cited Bury as an example which had differentiated itself due to its market. This proved to be a draw for further investment such as The Rock retail and leisure scheme.



He added: