Nursery complete at Macclesfield hospital site
Work is progressing to redevelop a former NHS site in Cheshire into a mixed-use scheme with crèche, offices and houses.
Developer Keyworker Homes has completed the building for a nursery. The property features a roof playground and is being leased to Kids Allowed, which is now accepting new youngsters.
The nursery is located on 6.5 acres of redundant land previously part of Macclesfield General Hospital, known as the Blue Zone.
Cheshire East Council secured a Homes & Communities Agency grant towards the redevelopment plans.
The nursery forms part of the wider plans for the site including 40,000 sq ft of office space, which is hoped will be filled by 2012, and a 75-room care home, expected to be occupied by the end of the summer.
Cheshire East Council added that the Blue Zone site formerly housed a number of medical services, which have been relocated elsewhere within the hospital site.
Blackpool-based developer Keyworker Homes bought the redundant land from the East Cheshire NHS Trust in July last year for an undisclosed sum.
The listed Clock Tower was sold on to Dane Housing for a 36-unit housing scheme.
The council said a major focus is also being made on parking facilities, which have previously been an issue for the former hospital site.
The council said the developers are keen to ensure that the development is fully sustainable and a decked car park is being built.
The whole site is being fully landscaped but tree preservation orders are in place to protect many of the existing trees.
Cllr Jamie Macrae, cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity at Cheshire East Council, said: "Here in Cheshire East, there is an increasing need for affordable homes and we want our younger people to stay in the area and be proud to live in our towns and this development will cater for young and old. The development will reflect the period structures of the past, which include listed buildings, but also create a modern living experience. The historic nature of the Blue Zone is such that there is a strong desire to maintain much of the original stone and brick work, which has been salvaged from some of the former buildings.
"The preservation of key buildings and features is extremely important here and both residents and visitors will be able to enjoy day-to-day activities in a much more pleasant environment. The entire development is on course for completion by 2013, and we very much thank nearby residents and businesses for their patience while this exciting project springs to life."
