Eskmuir seeks 50% mall extension

Eskmuir Securities has submitted plans to Cheshire East Council to expand the Grosvenor Centre in Macclesfield with larger units along Castle Street.

Eskmuir Securities bought the 88,000 sq ft shopping centre last year for £20.86m from Friends Life Company.

The centre currently contains 41 units and occupiers include Boots, Argos, Fat Face, Vodafone, and Brighthouse.

Eskmuir is seeking planning consent for three new shops totalling 42,000 sq ft plus office space at first floor along the centre's Castle Street frontage and Castle Street Mall.

The plans by Leslie Jones Architecture are for a change of use of the vacant Cheshire Building Society office at 36 Castle Street to retail and demolition of 22-26 Castle Street to be replaced by a new two-storey block next to the former CBS building, built in 1925.

Paul Hodgson, managing director of Eskmuir Securities, said: "The Grosvenor Centre is at the heart of shopping in Macclesfield. This extension would increase its retailing offer by creating three great new shops that provide the large floor plates currently demanded by occupiers."

Simon Carr, associate partner of Briant Champion Long, joint letting agents for the centre with Colliers International, said: "This strategy of prudent expansion of existing shopping centres is in step with the current economic conditions and is deliverable.

"Providing new retail space within the town's traditional heart will give added drive to the town's regeneration and enhance the Grosvenor Centre's existing reputation as a great place to shop."

Savills advised Eskmuir on the planning application.