The Member of Parliament for Macclesfield, David Rutley, joined the well-attended Quarterly Public Business Meeting of Make It Macclesfield, at Macclesfield Town Football Club’s Moss Rose Stadium on Friday 20th May.
The town centre regeneration was a clear focus for all who were in attendance, with a presentation being made by developers Ask Real Estate, on the new leisure-led scheme in Macclesfield town centre, which includes a new cinema. This set out the next steps for the development, and outlined the latest plan, which is for the project to be completed by spring 2018.
Jo Wise, Macclesfield Project Director at Cheshire East Council, also set out details on the £1 million improvements planned by the Council for the town centre, due to begin next year. The project will deliver a wide range of street enhancements, focused around Castle Street, Exchange Street and upper Mill Street, to enhance the retail core of the town centre as well as the key routes linking it to the proposed leisure-led scheme.
There was also a presentation on the Barnaby Festival, which will be held from Friday 17th June to Sunday 26th June in Macclesfield. This year’s theme is “Space” and highlights will include appearances by Professor Brian Cox, poet Ian McMillan and BBC journalist Nick Robinson.
Following the meeting, David said, “I was very pleased to hear about the positive progress with the leisure-led scheme and the new cinema, as it is vital to help lift our town centre. There is clearly more to be done, including putting a greater focus on our heritage and cultural offer. This year’s Barnaby Festival will be an important boost, and I encourage everyone to support what is sure to be a memorable celebration for the town”.