“Time to redouble efforts” says MP

Macclesfield MP, David Rutley, says it’s time to redouble efforts to regenerate Macclesfield town centre following Debenham’s decision to pull out of the Silk Street scheme – and Cheshire East Council’s announcement that it is reviewing its position with developers Wilson Bowden.

Following the announcement, which would appear to indicate the demise of the much-criticised scheme, David said, “We now need to urgently press forward with initiatives to regenerate the town centre.”

“The Make It Macclesfield Forum has created a vision for the town centre, which includes plans for a vibrant Market Quarter, a distinctive Silk Quarter, a better future for Mill Street and an enhanced leisure offer. The vision was established with Cheshire East Council, local Councillors, businesses and community groups and it’s time for that vision to become a reality.”

“A stronger leisure offer in the town, based on the new Heritage & Culture strategy and including a new cinema, is an important element of existing regeneration plans. The multi-screen cinema is a popular option with local residents, particularly among young people, and will encourage residents to spend more time in the town and also attract more visitors.”

“The Wilson Bowden scheme is only one element of the vision for the town centre. Following today’s news, it will be important for Cheshire East Council to work closely with local traders, local community groups and also the new Town Council, following the local elections, to create a vibrant future for Macclesfield town centre.”

David went on to say, “It is very disappointing to see the time it is taking Wilson Bowden to progress with the Silk Street scheme. It has been over 20 months since planning permission was granted for the scheme and around 10 years since Wilson Bowden first put forward their proposals for Macclesfield. Given the passage of time, it is understandable that there is little confidence from members of the public in the scheme developer’s ability to deliver the project.”

“I am pleased that Cheshire East Council is now making additional funding available to improve the town’s leisure offer and that more resources will be dedicated to the vital task of regenerating the town centre.”

David continued, “I believe that too much time has been spent waiting for developers and their potential anchor tenants to make their decisions. It is now vital to take forward plans to realise the vision for the town centre, with an increased sense of urgency. That is why I am organising a public meeting to enable local residents to have their say and get involved in the next steps of the regeneration plans.”

The meeting is scheduled to take place from 7.30 – 9.00pm on Thursday 26^th March at St Michael’s Parish Church, Market Place, Macclesfield.

It’s to be hoped that local traders and as many residents as possible will attend.