Macclesfield retail consultation closes
The formal public consultation period into Wilson Bowden Developments' latest plans for Macclesfield town centre closes today.
If approved and delivered, the £90m Silk Street development would feature a new public open space, known as Mulberry Square, a children's recreation area off Exchange Street, known as Roe Square, a Debenhams department store, 19 smaller shops, a cinema complex, restaurants and a multi-storey car park.
The proposals were initially submitted in March 2012 and have since been modified in line with responses to a public consultation.
The 200,000 sq ft scheme has been adapted by the developers to include a reduction in height of the Cineworld building of between 1.7m to 5.2m, to enable views of Christ Church Clock Tower. The Churchill Way fascia of Debenhams, the scheme's anchor retailer, has also been diminished in height by 2.5m.
Cushman & Wakefield and Mason & Partners are the retained letting agents.
The plans now also include more green spaces, with tree planting in Mulberry Square and on Churchill Way and continuation of the Heritage Walk to the Silk Museum.
The proposed new 718 space multi-storey car park off Churchill Way would be encased by "living green screens" and stepped back through the levels.
Patrick Arthurs, planning director at Wilson Bowden Developments, said: "We have continued to work closely with partners, stakeholders and members of the public and have made every effort to reflect their comments in our revised planning application.
"Macclesfield needs to take this opportunity to boost its town centre offering, as part of the wider redevelopment of the area. We know established retailers have an appetite to invest in the town but this won't happen unless we create high quality spaces and demonstrate the town's credentials. It's time to raise the bar and ensure Macclesfield fulfills its potential as a destination town."
Cllr Jamie Macrae, Cheshire East Council cabinet member in charge of prosperity and economic regeneration, said: "This is a tremendous opportunity for the regeneration and revitalisation of Macclesfield. I welcome the changes made to the original plans, following discussions with our officers, to ensure the scheme is more in keeping and sympathetic towards the rich history and heritage of the town.
"I hope the people of Macclesfield will embrace this exciting keystone to unlocking the town's potential and future prosperity and give it their support during the consultation period."
- Detailed plans are available to view on http://maccregen.cheshireeast.gov.uk
